Bear Grylls says Russell Brand's Christian conversion appeared genuine

Television presenter and former SAS soldier Bear Grylls said comedian Russell Brand's conversion to Christianity appeared genuine to him after he assisted in Brand's private baptism in April 2024. The Daily Mail and NME reported that the 51-year-old Brand was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court on November 5. Brand was acquitted of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault, as FTMQ News reported earlier. [1][3][13][18]

Grylls, a well-known Christian, helped lower Brand into the River Thames near Brand's house in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. According to the Daily Mail, Grylls faced public calls to explain his participation in the ceremony, which took place several months after allegations against Brand first surfaced in a media investigation. [1]

The BBC and NME report that the Metropolitan Police are currently investigating allegations of rape from two additional women. Detectives released historic police interview footage of Brand following the trial verdicts, and the lead investigator stated that he hoped further potential victims would feel confident coming forward. [3][4]

BBC News reported that Brand will face sentencing on Monday, November 9. The judge warned the former actor that he should expect a custodial sentence of some length. [3][7]