Metropolitan Police Sir Mark Rowley stated on Friday that he would not be surprised if further allegations emerge regarding Russell Brand following the entertainer’s conviction for rape and sexual assault. Speaking to the BBC, Sir Mark confirmed that the Metropolitan Police currently have two separate, ongoing rape investigations into Brand, who has already been interviewed under caution in connection with those matters.
Brand, 51, was found guilty on Thursday at Southwark Crown Court of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was acquitted of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. Following the verdict, the judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, denied Brand bail and remanded him in custody ahead of his sentencing, which is scheduled for Monday. The judge warned the defendant that he should expect a significant custodial term.
'We are prepared to confront powerful people.' As two other rape cases involving Russell Brand are being investigated, Met Sir Mark Rowley says he 'wouldn't be surprised if there's many more'. pic.twitter.com/iqmI8T478N
The Met’s Stance on Power and Credibility
Sir Mark used his interview to address the broader societal implications of the case, emphasizing that while the high-profile nature of the celebrity defendant might draw intense public focus, the fundamental mechanics of the crimes remain consistent with typical patterns of abuse. “Whilst Brand’s case may look different because it’s about celebrity, the majority of sex offending is about people abusing power,” Sir Mark told the BBC. He stressed that the force is committed to investigating such cases with rigor, noting, “We will do everything we can to bring to justice the powerful person who is responsible for probably the most ghastly moment in your life.”
The Commissioner also took the opportunity to praise the women who testified during the criminal trial. He acknowledged the immense personal toll of coming forward, calling the process a “real challenge for anyone having gone through something so ghastly” and stating that victims deserve admiration for their resolve.
Commissioner Condemns Defense Tactics as Victim Blaming
During a discussion on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the conversation turned to the defense strategy employed during the trial. It was put to Sir Mark that Brand’s defense barrister had told jurors that none of the complainants had “resisted, screamed or even tried to leave.” Sir Mark characterized these remarks as “very close to victim blaming.”
The Commissioner expressed strong support for a proposal from the Victims’ Commissioner, which would mandate that judges provide specific directions to juries regarding rape myths and misconceptions in every trial. “It shouldn’t be possible for inaccurate statements to be made to a jury to suggest that because a rape victim didn’t behave in one way that somehow undermines their case,” Sir Mark said. He indicated he would firmly back the inclusion of such a requirement in the Courts and Tribunals Bill.
'I think what a case like this shows is we will take on powerful people, and powerful people can be convicted' Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Mark Peter Rowley told #BBCBreakfast he "wouldn't be surprised" if more people came forward to make allegations about Russell… pic.twitter.com/iSmVmeHXex
Burnham Defends Past Political Engagement with Brand
The conviction has prompted reflection on the previous public and political associations Brand maintained before the police investigation began. Prime Minister Andy Burnham addressed questions regarding his own past interactions with the comedian, specifically a 2014 tweet in which he expressed support for Brand amid reports that the entertainer had been renting a property from a landlord based in a tax haven while simultaneously campaigning against tax avoidance.
Speaking to the BBC on Friday, Burnham defended the Labour Party’s past engagement with Brand, stating, “It’s not always the case that people know everything about people in public life.” Regarding the entertainer’s crimes, Burnham added: “His crimes are horrific, he’s rightly been held to account, justice for the victims and that is the right course that’s been taken here. All I can say is I had no idea of the full extent of what he was doing or what he went on to do.”
The head of the Metropolitan Police believes “many more” alleged victims of Russell Brand will come forward after his conviction for rape and sexual assault. Sir Mark Rowley, whose force led the investigation into Brand, said high-profile cases often resulted in an “upsurge” in… pic.twitter.com/77QvsHx5ah
Brand Faces Additional Allegations After Trial Concludes
The criminal trial, which concluded this week, centered on allegations from six women spanning the years 1999 to 2009. Outside of those specific charges, Brand faces additional rape allegations from two other women, one of whom was 16 at the time of the alleged incident and appeared in a Channel 4 documentary. Brand has consistently denied these allegations.
Before the trial commenced, Brand’s legal team unsuccessfully attempted to have the case dismissed, arguing that the intense publicity surrounding the Channel 4 Dispatches programme had made a fair trial impossible. With the conviction now secured, the focus shifts to the sentencing hearing on Monday. As the legal process continues, the Metropolitan Police maintain that their further investigations into the comedian remain active and ongoing.
