Russell Brand has admitted that he had a past sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl when he was 30, describing the relationship as exploitative. Speaking during an appearance on Megyn Kelly's podcast, the comedian and actor reflected on his behaviour at the height of his fame.
'In Europe and in the United Kingdom, where I'm from, the age of consent is 16, and I did sleep with a 16-year-old when I was 30,' Brand said. He continued: 'When I was 30, I was a very different person. I was a lot younger, and I was an immature 30-year-old. Consensual sex actually with a variety of people when there is a strong power differential, as the ability to attract women I had at that time, I think involves exploitation. I think it is exploitative.'
Brand added that he now views his past behaviour as unacceptable, saying: 'I recognise that my sexual conduct in the past was selfish and I did not apply enough consideration, barely any, I suppose, really, to how that sex was affecting other people.'
Ongoing Criminal Charges
The remarks come as Brand continues to face serious criminal charges in the UK, all of which he denies. Earlier this year, the 50-year-old appeared at Southwark Crown Court, where he pleaded not guilty to two further sexual offences, including one count of rape and one count of sexual assault, both alleged to have taken place in London in 2009.
When asked how he was feeling as he entered court, Brand replied to Sky News: 'Blessed,' and was seen carrying a blue book labelled Holy Bible, with post-it notes inside. During the brief hearing, Brand spoke only to confirm his name and enter his pleas.
He had previously denied five other charges — two counts of rape, one count of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault — bringing the total number of charges he faces to seven: three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. A trial is scheduled to begin at Southwark Crown Court on June 16, 2026.
Investigation Background
The investigation into Brand began in September 2023 after multiple allegations were reported. A joint investigation by Channel 4's Dispatches and The Sunday Times later detailed a series of alleged offences said to have taken place between the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Brand has consistently denied all allegations of non-consensual activity. In previous statements, he said: 'When I was young and single, before I had my wife and family… I was a fool, man. I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord. I was a drug addict, a sex addict, and an imbecile. But I was never a rapist… I have never engaged in non-consensual activity.'
According to court proceedings, one allegation involves a claim that Brand raped a woman in a hotel room while she attended a Labour Party conference in Bournemouth. Other allegations include claims he assaulted women in workplace settings, including a TV studio and a radio station.
Police Appeal
Detective Chief Inspector Tariq Farooqi, who is leading the investigation for the Metropolitan Police, previously said that women who have come forward are being supported by specially trained officers. 'The Met's investigation remains ongoing,' he said in a statement, urging anyone affected by the case or with information to come forward.
