Bear Grylls Speaks Out on Russell Brand Verdict After Helping Baptize Him: 'Justice Has Now Been Served'

Bear Grylls Speaks Out on Russell Brand Verdict After Helping Baptize Him: 'Justice Has Now Been Served'

Bear Grylls has broken his silence after Russell Brand was found guilty of rape and sexual assault. The TV adventurer, who helped baptize Brand in the River Thames in 2024, said on X that "justice has now been served" and called the victims "the heroes of the day." Brand, 51, was convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others following a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court.

Grylls wrote: "Brand's faith seemed genuine to me at the time when I was a guest at his private baptism. I have attended a few now. Even visiting in prisons with people who have committed terrible crimes. It's part of our calling as men and women of faith, to love and serve anyone. It is the sick that need healing."

He added: "Judgement is for the courts and God… I wouldn't want to ever discourage someone's coming to faith. It is right that justice has now been served. I can't imagine how hard this time has been for the victims, the heroes of the day."

For more on the Russell Brand trial, read our coverage of the full verdict and sentencing and the victims who testified.

The Baptism That Sparked Controversy

In early 2024, Grylls helped baptize Brand in the River Thames near Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. At the time, Brand shared a photo on Instagram of the adventurer embracing him and wrote: "Me, Bear Grylls, The River Thames and of course, The Holy Spirit."

The baptism came mere months after a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary and a Sunday Times investigation highlighted accusations by four women of rape, sexual assault, and abuse at the height of Brand's fame. Brand strongly denied all accusations at the time.

Grylls later defended his participation by saying he lives by the mantra "What would Jesus do?" and believed it was necessary in the wake of what he called Brand's "tough time."

For more on the baptism controversy, read our coverage of Bear Grylls and the Russell Brand baptism.

The Verdict and What Comes Next

Brand was remanded in custody on Thursday and will face sentencing on Monday, November 9. He is currently under investigation for two more alleged rapes, including of a 16-year-old schoolgirl featured in the Dispatches documentary. Police have warned that further victims could still come forward.

Six women gave evidence against Brand, while the former comedian could not persuade any of his celebrity friends or former showbiz colleagues to give evidence in his defence. He was cleared of two further charges of rape and one allegation of attempted indecent assault.

For more on the sentencing, read our coverage of what Brand faces on November 9.

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