Russell Brand’s lawyer storms out of court and lashes out at journalist after comedian is found guilty of SA: ‘I hope you’re pleased with yourself’
Russell Brand is in custody.
The legal proceedings surrounding Russell Brand reached a tense conclusion on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Southwark Crown Court in London. According to Page Six, following the jury’s verdict, Brand’s lawyer, Ian Winter, engaged in a heated confrontation with a journalist. As the comedian was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, Winter directed his frustration toward Rosamund Urwin, a correspondent for the Sunday Times.
Winter approached the journalist and stated, “I hope you’re pleased with yourself.” Urwin responded to the lawyer by saying, “I’m pleased justice has been done.” Winter then retorted, “Well, it wasn’t … You f***** it,” and stormed away. This confrontation occurred shortly after the court delivered the verdict for the 51-year-old actor.
Brand was acquitted of two additional rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. Immediately after the jury reached their decision, Brand was taken into custody. Judge Joel Bennathan noted that Brand is facing a significant prison term when he is sentenced on Monday, November 9.
‘No one is above the law, regardless of their fame, wealth, influence or public profile’
Det. Supt. Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police addressed the outcome outside the courthouse. He stated, “Today’s verdict sends a clear message that no one is above the law, regardless of their fame, wealth, influence or public profile.”
The police investigation, known as Operation Actinolite, was a massive undertaking. It involved tracing more than 100 witnesses and reviewing over 1,400 documents. Investigators also took more than 340 statements from former employers, colleagues, and associates of the actor. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that additional allegations against Brand are currently being investigated. Specifically, detectives are looking into two further rape allegations.
The Guardian reports that files regarding these claims have been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service. Officers remain in close contact with prosecutors as the inquiries move forward. Furphy indicated that the current conviction might encourage other potential victims to come forward. He noted that witnessing the bravery of those who already testified often gives others the strength to share their own stories.
Furphy described Brand as a predator whose behavior seemed to escalate as his celebrity status grew
Furphy suggested that Brand often abused his position of power, wealth, and fame to commit these offenses. The detective stated that as Brand became more famous, he appeared more emboldened and less likely to be challenged. Furphy also highlighted the difficulty of the trial process for the victims, especially given the scrutiny they faced during cross-examination by Ian Winter. He described the questioning as deeply uncomfortable for those recounting their experiences.
Beyond the criminal trial, Brand faces ongoing legal challenges. He is currently involved in civil claims both in the United Kingdom and the United States. One civil claim filed in London alleges that Brand sexually assaulted a woman at his Los Angeles mansion in 2008. The court papers for this case indicate the woman is seeking damages of up to £100,000. She alleges that Brand forced her to the bed and attempted to perform oral sex against her will.
Brand has denied these allegations through his legal team, labeling them as fundamentally dishonest. This specific case was not part of the criminal trial due to jurisdictional issues regarding where the incident allegedly took place.
Another civil claim was filed in the United States in 2023, concerning an incident that allegedly occurred while Brand was filming the movie Arthur in 2010. Furthermore, the Metropolitan Police continue to look into a case involving a woman who appeared in a 2023 documentary. She alleged that Brand groomed her and sent a vehicle to collect her from school when she was 16 years old.
Throughout the trial, Brand maintained a public presence through podcasts and interviews with various media figures
Furphy mentioned that this public commentary added a challenging layer to the investigation. He stated that the police had to review all online content, including books and podcasts, to monitor whether Brand’s public statements crossed the line during the live criminal proceedings. While Furphy noted that Brand stayed just short of crossing that line, he emphasized that the investigation team remained prepared to act if necessary.
The detective expressed hope that this case might serve as a watershed moment for victims of sexual violence. He encouraged anyone who has been affected by similar crimes to reach out to the police. The force has specially trained officers ready to support and listen to those who have not yet come forward.
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