April 23, (THEWILL) — British comedian and actor Russell Brand has said he had sex with a 16-year-old when he was 30, describing the relationship as “exploitative” but consensual under UK law.
Speaking on The Megyn Kelly Show on April 22, 2026, Brand said: “I did sleep with a 16-year-old when I was 30. The plain fact of it is that in Europe and in the United Kingdom, where I’m from, the age of consent is 16.”
“But when I was 30, I was a very different person… an immature 30-year-old.”
He added that while the encounter was consensual, it involved a “strong power differential, as there is when you’re a famous man who has the ability to attract women like I did at that time” noting: “I think it is exploitative.”
Brand also said:
“My sexual conduct in the past was selfish… I did not apply enough consideration… to how that sex was affecting other people.”
He is currently facing multiple charges in the UK, including rape, sexual assault and indecent assault, linked to allegations from several women between 1999 and 2009.
He has pleaded not guilty and denies any non-consensual wrongdoing.
His trial is scheduled for October 12, 2026, at Southwark Crown Court in London.
The case remains ongoing.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
