Russell Brand says he had ‘exploitative’ consensual sex with girl, 16, at height of his fame

Russell Brand Admits to 'Exploitative' Sex with Teenager, Denies Criminal Charges

Russell Brand, the British comedian and actor, has acknowledged having sex with a 16-year-old when he was 30, describing the encounter as "exploitative" despite it being consensual. The admission came during an appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show, where Brand also denied all criminal charges against him, which include multiple counts of rape and sexual assault.

Brand, now 50, is facing seven charges related to allegations from six women, with incidents said to have occurred between 1999 and 2009. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including two additional rape and sexual assault charges added in February. His trial at Southwark Crown Court is scheduled to begin on October 12.

In his interview, Brand said, "I did sleep with a 16-year-old when I was 30. When I was 30, I was a very different person. I was a lot younger, and I was an immature 30-year-old." He further stated, "Consensual sex with a lot of people, when there is a strong power differential, as there is when you are a famous man who has the ability to attract women that I had at that time, I think involves exploitation. I think it is exploitative."

Brand also expressed regret over his past behavior, saying, "I recognise that my sexual conduct in the past was selfish and I did not apply enough consideration, barely any I suppose, really, to how that sex was affecting other people."

The age of consent in the UK is 16, unless the older party holds a "position of trust" over the younger person, such as a teacher or a sports coach, in which case the age of consent is 18. Legal experts note that this does not necessarily make the act illegal, but the context of power dynamics may be relevant in court.

The charges against Brand include three counts of rape, three allegations of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault. Court documents have previously detailed specific allegations, including an accusation of rape in a hotel room during a Labour party conference in Bournemouth, as well as allegations involving a TV worker and a radio worker.

Brand, who rose to fame hosting Big Brother spin-off shows and had his own BBC Radio 2 programme before starring in Hollywood films, has consistently denied the criminal allegations. His legal team has stressed that he will defend himself vigorously in court.

The case has drawn significant media attention, with both mainstream outlets and tabloids covering the proceedings closely. While some have focused on Brand's celebrity status, others have highlighted the broader societal issues of power and consent.

As the trial approaches, the public and the media are watching closely to see how the legal process unfolds. Brand's admission regarding the 16-year-old may not affect the criminal case directly, but it has already shaped public perception of his character.

This article is based on reporting from ABC Australia and The Guardian. Both sources have covered the story extensively, and the facts presented here are consistent across the two outlets. No conflicting information has been reported in the available material.