Russell Brand victim delivers powerful statement in court: ‘A leopard may change its spots, but it’s still a leopard’
Warning: This article contains discussion of rape and sexual assault which some readers may find distressing.
As Russell Brand is sentenced today (9 November), one of his victims has read a powerful statement out in court.
She delivered her witness impact statement from behind the curtain to protect her anonymity.
Brand looked straight ahead, showing no emotion as she included: "As they say a leopard may change its spots but at the end of the day it’s still a leopard and not a gazelle.”
Advert
The actor is being sentenced for rape and three counts of sexual assault after being found guilty on Thursday, having faced seven charges in total. He has already been warned by the judge to expect a lengthy prison sentence.
The woman, who was sexually assaulted by Brand in a Soho bar in 2004, said in her statement: "I wanted to express how this crime has affected me over the years."
“When it happened, I was in complete shock and turmoil for weeks trying to process what had happened to me," she said.
“I was extremely upset and traumatised. It really affected how I viewed myself, I didn’t have any respect for myself and got into situations with toxic men as I didn’t have any self-worth.
“I literally lost any love for myself for a long time thinking that I was damaged goods.”
She recalled it being 'impossible' to escape seeing Brand all over the media over the years 'being celebrated for his disgusting behaviour against women like it was all a joke'.
"There were many times I felt visibly sick at the sight of him parading around think he can get away with anything," she continued
“Over the years I tried not to think about it and get on with my life – I had a beautiful daughter who helped me to heal and learn to love myself again and to try and be the best mum in the world for her.”
More to follow.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact The Survivors Trust for free on 08088 010 818, available 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm on Fridays, 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays and 6pm-8pm on Sundays.
Jess Battison