Russell Brand’s use of Christian faith during his trial and sentencing has prompted criticism after he was jailed for 10 years and six months, despite his lawyers’ argument that he had become a changed man.
Brand was seen wearing a large crucifix, carrying a Bible, kneeling and praying in the dock, and making the sign of the cross across his chest before sentence was passed at Southwark Crown Court.
He was baptised by Bear Grylls in the River Thames in 2024, a year after a Channel 4 documentary examined allegations about his treatment of women. His public embrace of Christianity has since raised questions over whether the conversion was genuine or intended to repair his reputation.
During an interview with Piers Morgan in April, Brand brought the same Bible that he later took to court. Asked to identify a meaningful passage, he spent about 90 seconds searching through its pages before acknowledging that he could not find the verse he wanted.
Brand was also reported to have said before sentencing that he felt God was with him in the courtroom. However, the judge described him as an unrepentant “sexual predator who has no remorse”.
Russell Brand’s religious broadcasts during the trial
Brand and his wife Laura continued to record their religious podcast, Sunday Service with the Brands, while proceedings were under way.
In one episode, the couple appeared in matching pyjamas at their home near Henley-on-Thames. Brand, wearing a leopard-print dressing gown, referred to what he called an “unusual time” in their marriage before attacking the “old media”, “corrupt media” and “hypocritical media”.
He said the family was in a situation requiring “the authenticity and authority of true justice”. The couple also said they read passages from the Bible and Psalms to each other on their way to court.
Throughout the trial, Brand maintained that he was a changed man, a devoted husband and a father to three young children. His lawyers argued that he should be allowed to return home to say goodbye to his family before beginning his sentence, but the judge refused, amid concern that he might flee to his mansion in Florida.
It later emerged that almost £9 million had been moved from Brand’s television and stand-up comedy company before the trial, while an attempt had been made to transfer ownership of his £5 million Oxfordshire home to his wife. The moves raised concerns that he was seeking to protect his assets from potential civil claims by alleged victims.
Brand’s former partner Jemima Goldsmith has also alleged that he physically assaulted her during their relationship, accusing him of “violence, coercive control and abuse”. Those claims are allegations.
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that Brand is under investigation over two further rape allegations, with the possibility of additional complainants coming forward.
His conviction and sentence have also been accompanied by vocal support from some followers. On the day of his conviction, supporters displayed a banner showing Brand alongside Jesus Christ, while his alleged victims have faced attacks on social media from people who believe he is the subject of an Establishment smear campaign.
Critics of Brand’s conduct during the case have argued that faith cannot be adopted as a public shield against accountability, and that genuine repentance requires humility and responsibility.
