Bear Grylls has defended his decision to participate in Russell Brand’s private baptism, saying the comedian’s conversion to Christianity appeared genuine when they attended the ceremony in April 2024.
The television adventurer, who helped baptise Brand in the River Thames near his home in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, made the remarks after the former comedian was found guilty of raping a fan and sexually assaulting three women.
Grylls, a prominent Christian figure in Britain, addressed the controversy in a statement published on X, explaining why he had attended the private religious ceremony.
Grylls Says Brand’s Christian Conversion Appeared Genuine
In his statement, Grylls said he believed Brand’s decision to embrace Christianity was sincere at the time of the baptism.
He explained that attending such ceremonies was part of his commitment to his faith, adding that he had also visited prisoners who had committed serious crimes.
Grylls wrote: “Brand’s faith seemed genuine to me at the time when I was a guest at his private baptism.”
He continued by explaining that he considered it part of the responsibility of Christians to show love and serve others, regardless of their circumstances.
“The sick that need healing,” he added, while maintaining that judgement should be left to the courts and God.
Grylls also said he would not want to discourage anyone from embracing Christianity, but acknowledged that justice had been served following Brand’s conviction.
He expressed sympathy for the women who gave evidence against the comedian, describing them as the heroes of the day.
Inside Brand’s Private Baptism in the Thames
The baptism took place in April 2024, several months after allegations of sexual misconduct involving Brand were made public.
Grylls helped lower the comedian into the River Thames during the ceremony, which took place close to Brand’s property in Henley-on-Thames.
The pair had developed a friendship while filming the reality television programme Running Wild.
Brand later shared a photograph on Instagram showing himself embracing Grylls and former boxer Joe McCann following the baptism.
He accompanied the image with the caption: “Me, Bear Grylls, The River Thames and of course, The Holy Spirit.”
Grylls had previously defended his involvement in the ceremony, telling the Daily Mail that it was a privilege to stand beside anyone expressing a humble desire for forgiveness.
Grylls Faces Questions Over His Association With Brand
Grylls’ latest comments come as questions have been raised about his involvement in Brand’s religious conversion following the guilty verdict.
The former SAS soldier has established himself as one of Britain’s most recognisable Christian celebrities.
He published the devotional book Soul Fuel in 2019 before releasing The Greatest Story Ever Told: An Eyewitness Account in 2025, a retelling of the story of Jesus.
His friendship with Brand developed through their television collaboration, which continued to be relevant when the comedian announced his Christian conversion in early 2024.
Brand Promoted His Christian Faith Before His Trial
Brand continued to publicly embrace his new religious identity in the years leading up to his trial.
In May 2026, he released a book titled How To Become A Christian In 7 Days, further documenting his interest in Christianity.
He also appeared at police interviews with a Bible placed in front of him and was seen carrying a copy of the religious book into court on several occasions.
During an interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan, Brand struggled to respond when challenged about his favourite Bible verses and passages of scripture.
Court Hears Details of Brand’s Sexual Offences
The trial at Southwark Crown Court heard allegations that Brand used his celebrity status to pursue women for sexual encounters, sometimes within seconds of meeting them.
The comedian, who was previously married to singer Katy Perry, had built a successful career as a stand-up performer, television and radio presenter, and Hollywood actor.
Women who testified against him described incidents in which he allegedly forced them into sexual activity and ignored their requests for him to stop.
The court also heard about his previous boasts concerning his pursuit of sexual encounters with thousands of women.
Six women gave evidence during the proceedings, while Brand was unable to secure testimony from any of his celebrity friends or former entertainment industry colleagues in his defence.
He was found guilty of raping a fan and sexually assaulting three women.
However, he was cleared of two additional rape charges and one allegation of attempted indecent assault.
Grylls’ statement came as the victims’ accounts and the court’s verdict renewed attention on his decision to participate in Brand’s baptism.
