Russell Brand admitted he could potentially face imprisonment during an interview with American political commentator Tucker Carlson, recorded several months before he was convicted of rape and sexual assault.
The interview, conducted in April, resurfaced following Brand’s conviction last week. During the conversation, the former comedian spoke about his upcoming trial, describing it as a “terrible trial” while acknowledging the possibility of a prison sentence.
Speaking to Carlson, Brand said he was due to stand trial in October and admitted he was reluctant to consider the possibility of being found guilty because of his family responsibilities.
“I’ll be on trial in October of this year.
And I don’t want to be wilfully ignorant of course but I tend not to ask what will happen if I’m not acquitted because I’ve got a wife and three children,” he said.
Former Comedian Described Himself as an ‘Appalling Lowlife’
During another part of the interview, Brand reflected on his past behaviour, describing himself as a “pretty appalling lowlife individual”.
He also acknowledged that imprisonment was a possible outcome, saying he could “maybe go to jail”.
The interview, which was published under a title referencing people allegedly attempting to imprison him, has attracted approximately one million views on YouTube.
Brand and Carlson began their discussion with a prayer before moving on to topics including Brand’s new book, technology, politics and the allegations against him.
At the beginning of the conversation, Carlson expressed support for Brand, saying he completely accepted his explanation and suggesting that Brand was facing a possible prison sentence after speaking out against powerful individuals.
Brand also addressed his accusers, referencing an attempted rape scene in the film Pretty Woman and declaring: “How dare you say that I would do that!”
Brand Convicted of Rape and Three Sexual Assaults
The 51-year-old was found guilty at Southwark Crown Court of one count of rape involving a woman in 2009 and three counts of sexual assault involving female television and radio workers between 2004 and 2009.
However, he was acquitted of two additional rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Following the verdict last Thursday, Brand was ordered to begin his prison sentence immediately and was taken into custody.
A judge had previously indicated that the comedian should expect “a custodial sentence of some length”.
Further Police Investigations Remain Ongoing
Following Brand’s conviction, further allegations emerged, with additional women coming forward after the initial accusations.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that investigations into two separate allegations of rape against Brand are continuing.
In a statement, the force said both complainants’ allegations remained under investigation and that Brand had previously been interviewed under caution in connection with the matters.
The police also confirmed that case files relating to both women had been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, with detectives maintaining contact with prosecutors while further inquiries continue.
During earlier court proceedings, it was disclosed that one of the complaints involved a woman who allegedly dated Brand when he was 30 and she was a 16-year-old schoolgirl.
Judge Expected to Hear Victim Impact Statements Before Sentencing
Brand’s sentencing hearing is expected to include statements from his victims outlining the impact of the offences, alongside legal submissions from both sides.
Rape carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment in England and Wales, although custodial sentences commonly range from four to 19 years.
The average prison sentence for rape in England and Wales last year was 10 years and seven months, while longer terms are generally reserved for cases considered exceptionally serious.
For sexual assault, the available sentences range from community orders to a maximum of seven years in prison, depending on the seriousness of the offence and the level of harm caused.
Brand’s Wife Arrives at Southwark Crown Court
Brand’s wife, Laura, was photographed arriving at Southwark Crown Court on Monday morning ahead of her husband’s sentencing hearing.
She arrived in a minivan at approximately 9.20am, accompanied by a woman who held tightly to her shoulders as they walked into the courthouse past waiting media representatives.
Laura wore sunglasses, a blazer and a polo-neck jumper.
As she approached the building, she appeared to turn towards a protester shouting in support of her husband and give a thumbs-up gesture.
