‘Ballers’ Star Russell Brand Shows Almost No Emotion as Guilty Verdict Lands, While Wife Laura Gallacher Is Left Tearful

For more than 2 years, the case against Russell Brand has played out in courtrooms, headlines and online debate. The Metropolitan Police began investigating in 2023, after a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4’s ‘Dispatches’ reported allegations of rape, sexual assault and abuse.

Police later charged the comedian and actor with 7 offenses involving 6 women between 1999 and 2009. Brand pleaded not guilty, testified in his own defense and maintained that every sexual encounter had been consensual.

On Thursday, a jury of 8 men and 4 women at Southwark Crown Court found Brand guilty of 1 count of rape and 3 counts of sexual assault. He was cleared of 2 other rape charges and 1 count of attempted indecent assault. The jury had deliberated for more than 8 hours over 2 days.

The rape conviction relates to a woman in 2009, according to CBS News. Brand was also convicted of sexually assaulting 3 other women, including a woman at a London bar in 2004.

Before he entered the dock, Brand looked at his wife, Laura Gallacher, and told her he loved her. Gallacher, an author and illustrator and the daughter of Ryder Cup golfer Bernard Gallacher, had attended court consistently throughout the trial. She also gave evidence as a character witness in his defense.

When the verdicts were read, Brand stood straight in the dock. He closed his eyes as he heard the guilty verdict on the rape count, but he showed no emotion otherwise.

Gallacher reacted very differently. She appeared tearful and in shock, and she covered her mouth after the judge said he was minded to remand Brand in custody. When the court broke, she appeared to need support as she left the room, and Brand’s security guard seemed to help steady her.

She then walked quickly out of the building and got into a waiting black Mercedes. The couple were married in 2017, and they have children together.

Brand’s barrister, Ian Winter KC, asked for bail over the weekend on humanitarian grounds, so that Brand could say goodbye to his children. Judge Joel Bennathan refused, saying he feared Brand would flee instead of returning to court.

The judge told Brand he faces a significant custodial sentence of some length and remanded him in custody until sentencing on Monday. He also said he regretted the hardship the outcome would cause the children. The maximum sentence for sexual assault is 10 years.

During the trial, a prosecutor described Brand as a ruthless, calculating and manipulative sexual predator. Brand’s trial began in mid-October, with prosecutors arguing that he forced women into sexual acts against their will. Brand told the court that he was obsessed with sex as a young man and once led a promiscuous life, but he insisted he had never forced anyone to do anything against their will. He also told the court that consent is fundamental and more important than sex itself.

His lawyers argued that the accusers’ accounts were undermined because the women went to the police only years after the alleged assaults and after the 2023 documentary aired. Brand also suggested the reports were part of a coordinated attack, linked to his newfound prominence as an online wellness influencer and political commentator.

Outside court, David Roberts of the Crown Prosecution Service said the evidence showed Brand to be a calculated sexual predator who used his fame and power to create situations in which he could pursue women. Police said he used his influence, status and fame to exploit women.

The Metropolitan Police also confirmed that investigations are continuing into 2 other allegations of rape made against Brand.

Brand will remain in custody ahead of Monday’s hearing, where Judge Bennathan is expected to hand down the sentence.

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