Russell Brand Admits to Having Sex with 16-Year-Old, Calls It ‘Exploitative’

Comedian and actor Russell Brand admitted during a recent interview that he had consensual sex with a 16-year-old girl when he was 30 years old, describing the encounter as “exploitative” despite acknowledging it was not illegal under UK law.

The admission came during an appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show, where Brand reflected on his past behavior amid ongoing legal proceedings related to multiple allegations of rape and sexual assault. He stated that while the age of consent in the United Kingdom is 16, he recognizes that relationships involving significant power imbalances—particularly when one party is a public figure with considerable influence—can be inherently exploitative.

Brand said, “I did sleep with a 16-year-old when I was 30… When I was 30, I was a very different person. I was a lot younger, and I was an immature 30-year-old.” He went on to explain, “Consensual sex, actually, with a variety of people, when there is a strong power differential, as there is when you are a famous man that has the ability to attract women that I had at that time, I think involves exploitation. I think it is exploitative.”

He further acknowledged that his past sexual conduct was often selfish and lacked sufficient consideration for how it affected others, stating, “I recognize that my sexual conduct in the past was selfish, and I did not apply enough consideration — barely any, I suppose, really — to how that sex was affecting other people.”

The interview took place as Brand faces formal charges in the UK stemming from allegations by multiple women who accuse him of rape and sexual assault between 1999 and 2009. Brand has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his trial, which was initially scheduled for June 2025, has been postponed to October 2025.

Brand’s personal life has also undergone notable changes in recent years. He married Laura Gallacher in 2017 after his divorce from pop star Katy Perry was finalized in 2012. In 2024, he was baptized and has since expressed a shift toward right-wing political views, including speaking at events hosted by Turning Point USA.

While Brand maintains that his relationship with the 16-year-old was consensual and lawful, his public reflection on the matter underscores broader conversations about consent, power dynamics, and accountability in celebrity culture.

Key Takeaways

• Russell Brand admitted to having sex with a 16-year-old when he was 30, calling it “exploitative” despite its legality under UK law.
• The age of consent in the United Kingdom is 16, which means the act was not illegal.
• Brand cited immaturity and a lack of awareness about power imbalances in his past behavior.

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• He faces trial in October 2025 on charges of rape and sexual assault from six women, all of which he denies.
• Brand has since married Laura Gallacher (2017), been baptized (2024), and expressed right-wing political affiliations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Russell Brand’s relationship with the 16-year-old illegal?

No. In the United Kingdom, the general age of consent is 16, so the relationship was not unlawful. However, Brand has acknowledged that such relationships can still be exploitative due to power differentials, especially when one party is a public figure.

What charges is Russell Brand currently facing?

Brand is facing formal charges in the UK related to allegations of rape and sexual assault by six women, covering incidents alleged to have occurred between 1999 and 2009. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

When is Russell Brand’s trial scheduled?

Brand’s trial was originally set for June 2025 but has been postponed to October 2025.

Has Russell Brand made any changes to his personal life recently?

Yes. Brand married Laura Gallacher in 2017 after his divorce from Katy Perry was finalized in 2012. In 2024, he was baptized and has since participated in right-wing political events, including appearances with Turning Point USA.