Bear Grylls speaks out after Russell Brand rape verdict, calls victims 'heroes of the day'

British adventurer and television presenter Bear Grylls has spoken out after Russell Brand was convicted in a rape case. Grylls himself had baptized Brand two years ago.

On Friday, Grylls — best known for survival shows such as 'Man vs. Wild' — took to X to say that it was 'right that justice has now been served.'

Grylls's statement began: 'Brand's faith seemed genuine to me at the time when I was a guest at his private baptism. I have attended a few now. Even visiting in prisons with people who have committed terrible crimes. It's part of our calling as men and women of faith, to love and serve anyone.'

He continued, 'It is the sick that need healing. Judgement is for the courts and God… I wouldn't want to ever discourage someone's coming to faith.'

Grylls added, '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.'

In May 2024, Brand shared a video on X in the first week after the baptism. In it he said, 'I want to thank Bear Grylls and my mate Joe, the two men that stood either side of me and flanked me for the baptism itself.'

Grylls, a devout Christian, also shared a statement with the Daily Mail after the baptism, calling his involvement a 'privilege.'

He said at the time, 'Faith and spiritual moments in our lives are really personal, but it is a privilege to stand beside anyone when they express a humble need for forgiveness and strength from above. Friendships when we go through tough times are worth so much.'

Brand was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court in London. The offenses involved four women and took place between 2004 and 2009, as Brand's career and public profile were growing.

The jury found Brand guilty of raping a 21-year-old fan in 2009 and sexually assaulting three other women in separate incidents. He was cleared of two additional rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.

Brand, 51, has maintained his innocence. He was refused bail after the verdict and remains in custody ahead of sentencing, which is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9.

Police are also investigating two further rape allegations against him.

Grylls's statement combined a reflection on the faith he saw at the baptism with support for the verdict and sympathy for the victims — the first time he has spoken about the matter in such detail in public since that baptism two years ago.