Russell Brand rape conviction prompts scrutiny of rape myths in court

Russell Brand's rape conviction has led to criticism of the language used by his defence team during the trial, ITV News reported. Brand, a comedian, actor and political commentator who converted to Christianity, is now a convicted rapist.

ITV News reported that Brand's defence barrister, Ian Winter KC, told the jury that none of the complainants had resisted or screamed or tried to leave. Winter said none of the complainants had reported allegations to the police at the time, according to the channel.

The Met chief, Sir Mark Rowley, said there was no single way for a victim to react and that some of what unfolded in court sounded like victim blaming, ITV News reported. The Victims' Commissioner told the channel she was concerned by rape myths about victims not resisting or fighting and about delayed reporting. She said such comments were appalling and damaged public trust, and called for stronger legal safeguards and for judges to call out their use.

ITV News reported that the case may change future rape trials and how they are defended. It also reported that Rosamund Urwin, the journalist who investigated Brand, had been asked by his lawyer after the verdict whether she was pleased with herself before he swore at her. The lawyer has referred himself to the barrister's regulator, the channel said. Urwin commended the bravery of the complainants and said she hoped they would be better treated as a result of the trial.

ITV News noted that in 2023 Channel 4 and The Sunday Times published allegations of abuse, which Brand denied. The women in the criminal trial were different from those in the documentary, it reported.