Katherine Ryan Shares Grief and Relief Following Russell Brand Conviction

POLICY WIRE — London, UK — Comedian Katherine Ryan has expressed a complex sense of grief and relief following the legal verdict finding Russell Brand guilty of rape and sexual assault.

The Canadian television star and stand performer noted that many women are processing the news privately after Thursday’s decision, describing a nuanced mix of emotions.

In a 2022 interview with Louis Theroux, Ryan previously asserted the existence of a predator within the entertainment industry. While she declined to name the individual at the time due to potential legal minefields, she mentioned appearing on a program with him where she called him a predator directly to his face.

Although rumors suggested she was referring to their 2018 joint appearance on Roast Battle, Ryan has not officially confirmed the specific show or the target of those past comments.

Speaking on her podcast, Telling Everybody Everything, Ryan described feeling de-regulated and emotional over the verdict. She expressed awe for the survivors who came forward despite having nothing to gain, facing Brand’s fame, wealth, power, and a dedicated fanbase capable of attacking them.

Ryan stated she would never be someone who dances on graves, noting that while justice was served, grief remains alongside the relief. She emphasized that the court proved a terrible event occurred for those affected.

Brand was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was acquitted of two other rape charges and one allegation of attempted indecent assault.

The 51-year-old faces sentencing on Monday, where Mr Justice Bennathan warned him to expect a significant custodial term.

Ryan remarked that the verdict exists because women were hurt, expressing concern for the future because Brand has spent time cultivating a narrative of establishment-led claims to martyrize himself to an audience that views survivors as villains.

Bear Grylls, who assisted Brand during a baptism in the River Thames in 2024, stated on social media that Brand’s faith seemed genuine at the time. Grylls noted he attended as part of his religious calling to serve anyone, including those in prisons who committed terrible crimes.

Grylls remarked that judgment belongs to the courts and God, stating he would not want to discourage someone’s faith while acknowledging it is right justice was served for the victims.

Legal documents from the Southwark Court hearing indicated Brand is also under investigation for two additional rape allegations. Documents suggest one complainant was 16 at the time she featured in the Channel 4 documentary, while another did not report the matter until the 2024 broadcast.

Sir Mark Rowley, head of the Metropolitan Police, told radio that he would not be surprised if more people came forward, noting the trial avoided victim blaming.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)em>