British comedian and actor Russell Brand has publicly admitted to having what he described as “consensual” but “exploitative” sex with a 16-year-old when he was 30, in a revelation that has intensified scrutiny over his past conduct as he prepares to stand trial on multiple sexual offence charges.
Brand made the admission during an interview on The Megyn Kelly Show, where he addressed aspects of his sexual history at the height of his fame. He stated: “The plain fact of it is… the age of consent is 16… and I did sleep with a 16-year-old when I was 30.” He added that his mindset at the time reflected immaturity, describing himself as “a very different person” during that period.
While emphasising that the encounter was legal under UK law, Brand acknowledged the ethical concerns surrounding the situation, particularly the imbalance of power linked to his celebrity status. “Consensual sex… when there is a strong power differential… I think involves exploitation,” he said, conceding that his behaviour was “selfish” and lacked consideration for others.
The admission aligns with comments he has made in recent interviews, where he repeatedly characterised aspects of his past sexual behaviour as “exploitative,” even if technically lawful. His remarks have reignited debate around consent laws and power dynamics, especially involving high-profile figures.
The controversy comes as Brand faces serious legal challenges in the United Kingdom. Prosecutors have charged him with multiple offences, including rape, sexual assault and indecent assault, involving several women over a period spanning the late 1990s to the 2000s. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has consistently maintained that all his past relationships were consensual.
His trial is currently scheduled to begin in October 2026 at Southwark Crown Court, where he is expected to contest the allegations. The case follows a wave of accusations that first emerged in 2023 after a joint media investigation brought multiple claims of sexual misconduct into the public domain.
Brand, once a mainstream Hollywood actor and television personality, has in recent years repositioned himself as an online commentator and spiritual influencer. Despite his evolving public persona, the latest admission underscores the continuing impact of allegations tied to his earlier career and personal life.
