Burnham praises women after Russell Brand rape conviction

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has praised the women who came forward against Russell Brand, calling the comedian’s actions “horrifying” after his conviction for rape and sexual assault.

Speaking to Times Radio on Friday, Burnham praised the women’s courage in speaking out. He also praised journalists who had supported women abused by Brand.

A jury at Southwark Crown Court found Brand, 51, guilty on Thursday of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The offences were committed against four women between 2004 and 2009, according to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Brand had denied all seven charges. He was acquitted of two further counts of rape and one of attempted indecent assault.

In his closing speech, Brand’s lawyer Ian Winter argued that a 2023 Channel 4 documentary and press coverage had influenced the complainants. Prosecutors said after the verdict that the programme had prompted the women to come forward independently and for their own reasons.

Brand is in custody and is due to be sentenced on Monday 9 November. The judge said he would receive a significant prison term.