Russell Brand has admitted to having what he described as 'exploitative' consensual sex with a 16-year-old girl during the peak of his fame. The 50-year-old comedian, actor, and podcaster is set to face trial in the autumn over allegations of rape and sexual assault made by six women. Brand denies all charges, which span from 1999 to 2009.
Speaking on the YouTube show of US journalist Megyn Kelly, Brand characterized himself as 'selfish' and an 'exploiter of women.' He stated: 'I did sleep with a 16-year-old when I was 30. When I was 30, I was a very different person. I was a lot younger, and I was an immature 30-year-old.'
He further explained: 'Consensual sex with a lot of people, when there is a strong power differential, as there is when you are a famous man who has the ability to attract women that I had at that time, I think involves exploitation. I think it is exploitative.' He acknowledged that his past sexual conduct was selfish and lacked consideration for its impact on others.
The age of consent in the UK is 16, except when an adult holds a 'position of trust' over a minor, such as a teacher, social worker, sports coach, or doctor, in which case it is 18.
Brand, who hosted Big Brother spin-off shows, had a BBC Radio 2 program, and appeared in Hollywood films, faces three counts of rape, three allegations of sexual assault, and one charge of indecent assault. His trial at Southwark Crown Court is scheduled to begin on October 12, where his six accusers will present their claims, and Brand will have the opportunity to give evidence.
Earlier court proceedings revealed that Brand is accused of raping a woman in a hotel room during a Labour party conference in Bournemouth, grabbing a TV worker's breasts and orally raping her after dragging her into a male toilet, and kissing and groping a radio worker after pushing her against a wall.
Brand, who owns a home in Buckinghamshire but currently resides in the US, remains on bail pending his trial.
