Russell Brand Convicted of Rape and Sexual Assault
Listen
Vocabulary
Article
British entertainer Russell Brand has been found guilty of rape and sexual assault following a trial at Southwark Crown Court in London. A jury determined that the 51-year-old committed one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault over a decade. He was cleared of two other rape charges and one attempted indecent assault charge. The judge told Brand to expect a significant prison sentence when sentencing takes place on Monday.
Six Women's Allegations
The trial revealed accusations from six women spanning from 1999 to 2009, the period when Brand became one of Britain's most famous entertainers. One woman said Brand assaulted her after she attended his stand-up comedy show in 2009. Another reported being groped at a party at a bar in Soho in 2004. The women testified that Brand used his fame and status to force them into unwanted sexual situations. Brand claimed he was the victim of a media conspiracy, but the jury found his accusers' evidence convincing.
Additional Investigations
Police revealed that Brand is also facing further rape allegations from two additional women, and he has already been questioned about these complaints. The investigation by the Metropolitan Police continues. Brand will remain in custody until his sentencing hearing on Monday. The judge denied his request for bail over the weekend, even though Brand wanted time to explain his convictions to his children.
Discussion Questions
- What does the article tell us about when Brand's accusers first came forward with their complaints?
- Why do you think the judge decided Brand should remain in custody rather than be released until sentencing?
- How did Brand respond to the allegations during the trial, and what does the article say about the jury's reaction to his defense?
- What is the significance of the article mentioning that Brand is facing additional rape allegations beyond those in this trial?
- What challenges might the entertainer's fame have created in this legal situation, according to the article?
Open the full interactive lesson with tap-to-hear on every word →