Bear Grylls responds after Russell Brand’s convictions

Bear Grylls said Russell Brand’s Christian faith had seemed genuine when Grylls attended his private baptism, while describing the women who testified against Brand as heroes, after Brand was convicted of rape and sexual assault in London. Grylls posted his response on X after a jury at Southwark Crown Court found Brand guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. Brand was acquitted of two further rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. He had pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations. In the post, Grylls said he had attended Brand’s baptism as a guest and did not want to discourage anyone from embracing faith. He also said justice had been served and expressed sympathy for the victims. His comments addressed his role in the 2024 baptism ceremony, which drew criticism after allegations against Brand became public. Grylls said he had attended other baptisms, including visits to people in prison, and described serving people regardless of their actions as part of his faith. He wrote that judgment belonged to the courts and God. The statement addressed his view of Brand’s faith at the time of the ceremony, rather than the jury’s findings....