Bear Grylls calls Russell Brand’s victims ‘heroes of the day’ after Southwark conviction

Television presenter Bear Grylls has spoken publicly for the first time since Russell Brand’s conviction, saying justice had been served even though he once baptized the comedian.

Brand was convicted at Southwark Crown Court of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a four-week trial. The offenses involved four women and took place between 2004 and 2009, during a period when Brand’s career and public profile were growing rapidly.

The jury found Brand guilty of raping a 21-year-old fan in 2009 and of sexually assaulting three other women in separate incidents. He was cleared of two further rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.

Writing on X on Friday, Grylls said his own experience of Brand’s faith had seemed sincere, but that courts, not faith leaders, were the proper place for judgment.

“Brand’s faith seemed genuine to me at the time when I was a guest at his private baptism. I have attended a few now. Even visiting in prisons with people who have committed terrible crimes. It’s part of our calling as men and women of faith, to love and serve anyone. It is the sick that need healing. Judgement is for the courts and God… I wouldn’t want to ever discourage someone’s coming to faith.”

He added: “It is right that justice has now been served. I can’t imagine how hard this time has been for the victims, the heroes of the day.”

Grylls stood alongside Brand at a private baptism in May 2024. At the time, Brand posted a video thanking those who took part, saying: “I want to thank Bear Grylls and my mate Joe, the two men that stood either side of me and flanked me for the baptism itself.”

Grylls also gave a statement to the Daily Mail after the baptism, describing his involvement as a “privilege.” “Faith and spiritual moments in our lives are really personal, but it is a privilege to stand beside anyone when they express a humble need for forgiveness and strength from above. Friendships when we go through tough times are worth so much,” he said at the time.

Brand, 51, has maintained his innocence throughout. He was refused bail after the verdict and remains in custody ahead of sentencing, scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9 at Southwark Crown Court. Police are also investigating two further rape allegations against him.