Bear Grylls responds to Russell Brand’s conviction after baptising him in the River Thames
“It is right that justice has now been served. I can’t imagine how hard this time has been for the victims,” he said
Bear Grylls has addressed his decision to baptise Russell Brand, following the comedian’s conviction for rape and sexual assault in the UK.
The television adventurer shared his response on social media on November 6, explaining that Brand’s religious beliefs had appeared sincere when he attended his private baptism in the River Thames in 2024.
“Brand’s faith seemed genuine to me at the time when I was a guest at his private baptism,” Grylls wrote. He added that he had attended other baptisms, including visits to prisons involving people who had committed serious crimes.
“It’s part of our calling as men and women of faith, to love and serve anyone,” he continued, adding that “the sick” were the people who needed healing. Grylls also stressed that judgement belonged to the courts and God, saying he would not want to discourage anyone from embracing faith.
However, he acknowledged the outcome of Brand’s trial, writing: “It is right that justice has now been served. I can’t imagine how hard this time has been for the victims, the heroes of the day.”
Grylls had baptised Brand in the River Thames in April 2024, months after allegations of sexual misconduct against the comedian had become public. Brand had shared footage and photographs of the ceremony, describing the experience as profound and expressing his gratitude for being baptised.
The pair had developed a friendship after Brand appeared on Grylls’ television programme Running Wild with Bear Grylls. Grylls had previously defended his participation in the baptism, describing it as a privilege to stand alongside someone seeking spiritual support.
His latest statement follows Brand’s conviction at Southwark Crown Court on November 5. The comedian was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault relating to allegations involving four women. He was acquitted of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Brand denied the charges throughout the trial. Following the verdict, he was remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing, scheduled for November 9. The judge indicated that a custodial sentence of significant length was likely.
Grylls’ statement addresses both his earlier involvement in Brand’s baptism and the outcome of the criminal proceedings, while expressing support for the women who gave evidence against the comedian.
