A woman who accused Russell Brand of rape has described the lasting emotional and physical trauma she says followed the alleged assault, speaking through a victim impact statement read during the actor’s sentencing.
“One of the most distressing aspects following the incident was the fear that I may have contracted HIV,” the woman said in a statement delivered in a London court on Monday, November 9. Brand, 51, was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison after being convicted of raping and sexually assaulting four women. He denied the allegations throughout the proceedings, pleaded not guilty and maintained his innocence before his conviction earlier this month.
“This fear had a profound effect on my mental health,” the unidentified woman continued. Her statement was read by prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones. “I underwent treatment and testing and then had to endure a three-month wait for the results. During that period, I experienced significant anxiety and distress. After the incident, I was in considerable physical pain and required medical examination.”
According to her account, Brand selected her from a crowd after performing at London’s Hammersmith Apollo in 2009 and later took her to his townhouse, where she alleged he raped her. In the aftermath, she said she felt “anxious, humiliated and overwhelmed,” while struggling to eat and sleep.
Russell Brand appeared to make light of his rape and sexual assault conviction shortly after the verdict was announced. “I’m good, I’m good,” Brand, 51, reportedly mouthed to members of his defense team on Thursday, November 5, after jurors found him guilty of one rape charge and three counts of sexual assault, according to the BBC. The outlet reported that […]
“The impact extended into my working life and future ambitions. What happened significantly affected my confidence and ultimately influenced my career path and ambitions,” she said. “The incident also affected my day-to-day life. I became hypervigilant and frequently found myself analysing the behaviour and demeanour of other people. I often felt on edge and avoided certain situations.”
She said Brand’s celebrity status also played a major role in her decision not to report the alleged assault immediately, explaining that she feared she would not be believed.
“His fame, wealth and influence created a power imbalance which made me feel powerless. I did not have the confidence to challenge someone who appeared so powerful, rich and influential,” she said.
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The woman also said she was hurt by the defense’s characterization of her as “merely an obsessive fan.”
Russell Brand has acknowledged that he had sex with a 16-year-old girl when he was 30. “The plain fact of it is that in Europe and in the United Kingdom, where I’m from, the age of consent is 16. And I did sleep with a 16-year-old when I was 30,” Brand, 50, said in an interview with The Megyn Kelly […]
“That portrayal does not reflect who I am,” she said. “I had my own ambitions, goals and aspirations, and it has been deeply hurtful to be labelled in that way.”
She added, “The consequences of what happened have affected almost every aspect of my life. Even now, I continue to experience anxiety, difficulties with trust, reduced confidence and the lasting effects of trauma.”
The woman is among several people who have accused Brand of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse spanning the years 1999 to 2013. Further victim impact statements were read in court on Monday, including one from an accuser who said she felt like “damaged goods” after Brand assaulted her in 2004.
Brand was convicted on Thursday, November 5, of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, just days before his sentencing. He was acquitted of three additional charges.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).