Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley stated that the conviction of comedian Russell Brand for rape and sexual assault could serve as a "tipping point," potentially encouraging more victims to come forward with historic allegations against famous individuals. Rowley indicated he "wouldn't be surprised" if Brand's downfall prompts more accusers to report offenses.
Brand, 51, was found guilty by a jury on Thursday of attacking four women, including a rape in 2009. He is scheduled for sentencing on Monday. The Metropolitan Police are currently investigating two additional rape allegations against Brand, one involving a minor who was 16 at the time of the alleged attack. Detectives have submitted files in hopes of bringing further charges.
Sir Mark drew parallels to the Jimmy Savile case, where the posthumous revelations about the broadcaster's offenses led to more victims reporting abuse and resulted in convictions of other celebrities, such as Rolf Harris and Max Clifford. He commended those who have come forward to report "atrocious, ghastly experiences," even when their alleged abuser held significant power.
The Met chief asserted that the jury's conviction of Brand, despite his celebrity status, should offer encouragement to other potential victims, assuring them that they would be believed. "It's an awful thing to step forward and report, particularly when you see the person who abused you as powerful," Rowley said. "If you've seen somebody else powerful taken down, that may be the tipping point."
Rowley also expressed frustration with Brand's legal team, criticizing their use of "rape myths" during the trial, which he described as victim-blaming. These defense tactics included questioning why victims did not scream or attempt to flee, or why they delayed reporting the assaults. Victims' Commissioner Claire Waxman has indicated she is working to update the law to ensure juries are cautioned against such claims.
"Victims go through such trauma, and to misrepresent how victims react to a jury, it shocked me that that happened," Sir Mark told the Daily Mail. "The evidence is really clear – people react very differently to these traumatic situations."
Brand was acquitted of two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault. His defense had previously accused journalists and police of "courting victims" following a 2023 investigation into the allegations. Brand's barrister, Ian Winter KC, later reported himself to the Bar Standards Board following a public altercation with a journalist involved in the original investigation.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak indicated that the government would "look at the way rape trials are conducted" due to concerns that complainants may feel like they are "on trial." He stated that "we need to encourage more women to come forward to report rape" and would "not rule anything out."