Russell Brand insists 'age of consent is 16' in UK amid rape case
The former actor admits he had a sexual encounter with a 16-year-old when he was 30
Published April 23, 2026
Russell Brand just made a shocking confession as he continues to battle rape and sexual assault charges.
Appearing on the Megyn Kelly Show on Wednesday, April 22, the former actor admitted that he slept with a 16-year-old when he was 30, further acknowledging that he abused his power and was exploitative towards women.
“The plain fact of it is that 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,” Brand, now 50, said. “But when I was 30, I was a very different person. I was a lot younger, and I was an immature 30-year-old.”
Brand went on to discuss the “power differential” as a famous man in his prime, acknowledging that he abused that power and calling his conduct “exploitative.”
“I think it is exploitative. I recognise 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.”
Brand’s comments come as he continues to battle multiple sexual assault and rape allegations in UK courts since 2023. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges including rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault.
