More Victims Likely to Come Forward After Russell Brand’s Rape Conviction, Says Met Police Chief

London: Russell Brand, the British comedian and former Hollywood actor, is likely to face further allegations as more victims come forward following his rape conviction, the head of London’s Metropolitan Police said on Friday.

Brand, who was once married to US pop star Katy Perry, faces a lengthy prison sentence after a London court on Thursday found him guilty of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others.

Speaking to the BBC, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said that in earlier cases involving well-known figures convicted of sexual offences, it was common for additional victims to approach police after a conviction. He said he would not be surprised if many more came forward, noting that a guilty verdict gives victims confidence that they will be believed.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham commended the victims for their courage in exposing Brand. Asked about a supportive message he had posted to Brand on X in 2014, at a time when some left-leaning politicians were courting the comedian for his appeal among young voters, Burnham said he had been unaware of the full extent of Brand’s conduct at the time. Describing the crimes as horrific, he said Brand had rightly been held to account.

Brand is among the most high-profile British celebrities convicted of sexual offences in recent years. Former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards admitted to making indecent images of children two years ago, while entertainer Rolf Harris was convicted in 2014 of assaulting young girls.

The 51-year-old is due to be sentenced on Monday. Police have said he is also under investigation over two further alleged rapes, one of which involves a girl who was 16 at the time.