Prosecutors in the United States could also decide to pursue convicted rapist Russell Brand with criminal action, it has been reported. It comes as a US civil lawsuit has been filed by a woman who claims that he sexually assaulted her on the set of the 2011 comedy film Arthur. The lawsuit claims that Brand said having sex with multiple women was part of the “lineage of celebrated male behaviour”, and the comedian and actor suggested that being promiscuous was fine because it “defined famous men”. Moreover, it is purported that he claimed he knew about consent because he had been “in a lot of bathrooms with people he doesn’t know very well”, The Sun reported.
The newspaper suggests that prosecutors in America could also decide to pursue him with criminal proceedings. Brand was found guilty of rape and three sexual assaults on Thursday.
Yesterday, Metropolitan Police chief Sir Mark Rowley said he would not be surprised if “many more” alleged victims of Brand now came forward. The Metropolitan Police Commissioner said high-profile cases did often lead to an “upsurge” in reporting because it gave victims confidence to speak up about attackers in their cases.
At least 10 more women suspected of having been attacked. Sir Mark told BBC Breakfast: “It does make a difference because people see it is possible, and you will be believed.” The BBC said “there can be no place for the abuse of power” as it reiterated its public apology following Brand’s conviction.
A spokesperson said: “Firstly, the thoughts of everyone at the BBC are with the brave women who came forward and told their stories which led to a conviction in this case. There can be no place for the abuse of power.
“Across the industry, we must work together to ensure that anyone who suffers at someone else’s hand feels able to report it, that their concerns are taken seriously and that they are listened to. We published a detailed report in January 2025 into how complaints about Russell Brand’s conduct were handled.
“This looked at eight allegations of misconduct while he worked here between 2006 and 2008. It was of great concern to us that some people felt unable to raise concerns about Brand’s behaviour. We apologised to those impacted, for both the culture and failings at the time, and we reiterate that apology again today.”
