CW: Distressing themes
British actor and comedian Russell Brand has publicly admitted to having sex with a 16-year-old girl when he was 30.
He made the admission on a podcast hosted by U.S. journalist Megyn Kelly.
Brand did not specify where the incident took place, but said the age of consent in the UK is 16.
He is set to face trial on rape and sexual assault charges relating to six women later this year. Brand denies the allegations.
Podcast Ep
During the podcast appearance, Brand addressed the allegations without admitting guilt.
He then revealed his history with the 16-year-old.
"In Europe, and in the United Kingdom, where I'm from, the age of consent is 16 and I did sleep with a 16-year-old when I was 30", he said.
Brand then went on to say he now believes it was “exploitative”, and saying he had been an “exploiter of women”.
"I think it is exploitative. I recognise that my sexual conduct in the past was selfish... I did not apply enough consideration, barely any, I suppose really, to how that sex was affecting other people".
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Charges
Brand is currently facing seven sexual assault charges.
Last year, he was charged with rape, sexual assault and indecent assault relating to four women between 1999 and 2005.
In February 2026, he pleaded not guilty to two additional charges alleging he raped one woman and sexually assaulted another in 2009.
Brand has consistently denied all allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
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Video: 1800RESPECT.org.au
