Russell Brand‘s conversion to Christianity has been defended as genuine by the TV adventurer Bear Grylls, who described it as ‘a real moment of humility and repentance’.
Brand, 49, was baptised in the River Thames last April after announcing that he saw it as ‘an opportunity to leave the past behind’.
In September 2023, the actor and comedian was accused of rape, assault and emotional abuse, allegations that he has consistently denied, following a joint investigation by Dispatches, the Times and Sunday Times.
Grylls, a prominent Christian who has appeared in marketing material for the Alpha course, an evangelical introduction to Christianity, has a longstanding friendship with Brand and assisted in the baptism ceremony.
While Grylls’ was criticised in some quarters for his involvement and later stepped down as chief scout, a position he had held since 2009, he told the Daily Mail it was ‘a privilege to stand beside anyone when they express a humble need for forgiveness’.
That position has not changed, with the 50-year-old affirming that he believes Brand’s profession of faith to be genuine.
‘I never judge, and he was a friend through [appearing on Grylls’ reality TV show] Running Wild, and he’s had a real journey in his life,’ the former SAS trooper told the Daily Telegraph.
‘You know what, whoever it is, you can’t only stand beside people who have had perfect journeys. It was for him a real moment of humility and repentance and genuine heart-felt finding of quite a faith in his life.
Russell Brand is embraced by TV presenter Bear Grylls and a friend following his baptism in the River Thames last year
In September 2023, the actor and comedian was accused of rape, assault and emotional abuse, allegations that he has consistently denied
Russell Brand, left, is pictured with Bear Grylls on the latter’s reality TV show, Running Wild with Bear Grylls. The pair became friends through their television work
‘People say to me, “What about the victims?”, if they’re victims. And I go, “Of course I stand beside everybody. We are called to love everybody and not to judge anyone.”‘
Last May, Brand posted an Instagram picture of his baptism ceremony, which took place near his home in in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. The image was captioned: ‘Me, Bear Grylls, The River Thames and of course, The Holy Spirit.’
Brand later thanked Grylls in a video published on Facebook, where he has a 5.8-million strong following.
‘Week one as a Christian has been amazing,’ said Brand. ‘The ceremony itself was incredible.
‘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.’
Last November, detectives investigating historic allegations of sexual misconduct against Brand handed a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service.
‘Following an investigation by Channel 4’s Dispatches and the Sunday Times in September 2023, the Met received a number of reports of sexual offences from women in London and elsewhere in the country,’ the Metropolitan Police said in a statement that did not mention Brand by name.
‘A file of evidence has now been passed to the CPS for their consideration. As part of the investigation, a man in his 40s has been interviewed by officers under caution on three separate occasions.
‘These interviews related to a number of non-recent sexual offences which are alleged to have taken place both in and outside of London.
‘Officers continue to support the CPS as part of their investigation.’
Brand has vehemently denied all the allegations against him.
Last summer, Grylls said: ‘Let’s hope those accusations aren’t true, for everybody’s sake. I always try and live without judging anyone.’
