Popular actor Russell Brand was found guilty of rape and sexual assault on Thursday (November 5). According to a report from Deadline.
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Per the report, the jury came to its verdict after two days of deliberation. Over seven sexual offense allegations had been made against the actor. The Get Him to The Greek star was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
However, the verdict could have been a lot harsher. Brand was found not guilty on two additional counts of rape and one of attempted indecent assault, which had been downgraded from indecent assault during the trial.
Brand Faces Lengthy Prison Sentence After Rape Conviction
Ahead of the trial, Brand maintained his innocence. The Forgetting Sarah Marshall Star firmly denied all allegations that had been made by six women.
Mr Justice Bennathan told Brand that he would be given a "custodial sentence of some length," and he was remanded in custody until sentencing, according to the outlet.
Brand could be facing a lengthy prison sentence as the United Kingdom has no tolerance for convicted rapists. A rape conviction can carry a sentence of life in prison in the UK.
Social media exploded with reactions to the verdict.
"Good. Lock him up, throw the key in the ocean," one user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"His fake cross necklace didn't protect him from prosecution and conviction?" a second user questioned.
"I want him gone for at least 20. But the reality is he'll probably get 5 years with time served or some s**t," a third user chimed in.
There were a total of seven allegations against Brand that spanned from 1999 to 2009.
Following the decision, Andy Furphy, the detective superintendent in the case, told the outlet that the actor "used his influence, status and fame to exploit and sexually offend against women."
"As his profile grew, so too did his sense of entitlement," Furphy said. "I hope this conviction sends a clear message that no one is above the law, no matter how famous or powerful they may be."
Brand is set to be sentenced on Monday (November 9).
