{"id":2393009,"date":"2026-04-28T15:08:44","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T15:08:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2393009"},"modified":"2026-04-28T15:08:44","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T15:08:44","slug":"russell-brand-says-sex-with-16-year-old-was-legal-in-u-k","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/russell-brand-says-sex-with-16-year-old-was-legal-in-u-k\/","title":{"rendered":"Russell Brand Says Sex With 16-Year-Old Was Legal in U.K."},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div data-article-body=\"true\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.complex.com\/tag\/russell-brand\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Russell Brand;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\">Russell Brand<\/a> is back in the spotlight after admitting in a new interview that he had a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old when he was 30\u2014while maintaining that he did not break the law or commit wrongdoing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The revelation came during an appearance on <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@MegynKelly\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:The Megyn Kelly Show,;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><em>The Megyn Kelly Show<\/em>,<\/a> where Brand addressed the situation directly. \u201cThe plain fact of it is\u2026 the age of consent is 16,\u201d he said, referencing laws in the U.K., where he is from.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">He confirmed the encounter but framed it in legal terms, while also reflecting on his mindset at the time. \u201cI was an immature 30-year-old,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.complex.com\/shop?utm_source=yahoo&amp;utm_medium=syndication&amp;utm_campaign=shop2025\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><b>COMPLEX SHOP:<\/b> Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what&#8217;s next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">At the same time, Brand acknowledged the imbalance that can exist in those situations, particularly given his fame during that period. \u201cWhen there is a strong power differential\u2026 I think it is exploitative,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">He also admitted that his past behavior lacked awareness, stating, \u201cMy sexual conduct in the past was selfish\u2026 I did not apply enough consideration\u2026 to how that sex was affecting other people.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The comments arrive as Brand continues to fight multiple criminal charges in the U.K. tied to allegations of rape and sexual assault. <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.complex.com\/pop-culture\/a\/tracewilliamcowen\/russell-brand-allegations-new-charges\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Those cases stem from claims made by several women involving incidents alleged to have taken place between 1999 and 2009;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\">Those cases stem from claims made by several women involving incidents alleged to have taken place between 1999 and 2009<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Brand has pleaded not guilty and has consistently denied all allegations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cI absolutely refute\u201d the claims, he said in a previous public response, maintaining that his relationships were consensual.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In earlier statements, he described that period of his life as highly promiscuous but insisted he was \u201calways transparent\u201d about his conduct.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Legal proceedings are ongoing. <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.complex.com\/pop-culture\/a\/bernadette-giacomazzo\/russell-brand-rape-sexual-assault\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Brand was recently granted bail after a brief appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court, with the case set to continue at Southwark Crown Court later this year.;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\">Brand was recently granted bail after a brief appearance at Westminster Magistrates&#8217; Court, with the case set to continue at Southwark Crown Court later this year. <\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">A trial that was expected earlier this year has been pushed back to October.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><em>If you or someone you know has been affected by rape or sexual assault, help is available. In the U.S., confidential support is offered through the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or at rainn.org. <\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"mb-4 text-lg font-bold\">Related News<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"ct:story;elm:img;itc:0;\" class=\"stretched-box\" href=\"https:\/\/www.complex.com\/pop-culture\/a\/bernadette-giacomazzo\/russell-brand-rape-sexual-assault\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"relative\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p><span>Russell Brand Granted Bail in Rape and Sexual Assault Case<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"ct:story;elm:img;itc:0;\" class=\"stretched-box\" href=\"https:\/\/www.complex.com\/music\/a\/bernadette-giacomazzo\/julio-iglesias-sexual-assault-accusation\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Julio Iglesias Accused of Sexual Assault and Trafficking by Former Employees\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/PYZpjrvDrzjYWIRuedQblg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/complex_131\/f9758361e49a90b097cc3a6fc189837f\"\/><\/div>\n<p><\/a><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p><span>Julio Iglesias Accused of Sexual Assault and Trafficking by Former Employees<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"ct:story;elm:img;itc:0;\" class=\"stretched-box\" href=\"https:\/\/www.complex.com\/music\/a\/bernadette-giacomazzo\/michael-tait-accused-of-sexual-assault-by-2-more-men\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Michael Tait Accused of Sexual Assault by 2 More Men\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/.kbbU5rd3yIKxtExYzT9mg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/complex_131\/230b6ea210834fea00b1e027355467b1\"\/><\/div>\n<p><\/a><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p><span>Michael Tait Faces New Sexual Assault Allegations From Two Additional Men<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\"><b>Related News<\/b><\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><b><i><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/entertainment\/articles\/dwts-judge-carrie-ann-inaba-152629927.html\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:\u2018DWTS\u2019 Judge Carrie Ann Inaba Suffers Medical Emergency on Flight;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\">\u2018DWTS\u2019 Judge Carrie Ann Inaba Suffers Medical Emergency on Flight<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><b><i><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/entertainment\/music\/articles\/meghan-trainor-cancels-her-entire-153502329.html\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Meghan Trainor Cancels Her Entire Tour: 'I Need to be Home';itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\">Meghan Trainor Cancels Her Entire Tour: &#8216;I Need to be Home&#8217;<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.complex.com\/shop?utm_source=yahoo&amp;utm_medium=syndication&amp;utm_campaign=shop2025\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. 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Find the latest entertainment news and the best in music, pop culture, sneakers, style and original shows.;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><b>Making Culture Pop.<\/b> Find the latest entertainment news and the best in music, pop culture, sneakers, style and original shows.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.yahoo.com \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Russell Brand is back in the spotlight after admitting in a new interview that he had a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old when he was 30\u2014while maintaining that he did not break the law or commit wrongdoing. The revelation came during an appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show, where Brand addressed the situation directly. \u201cThe [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2393010,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25177],"tags":[466863,367583,363660,449514],"class_list":["post-2393009","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-celebrities","tag-megyn-kelly-show","tag-russell-brand","tag-sexual-assault","tag-sexual-relationship"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Russell-Brand-Says-Sex-With-16-Year-Old-Was-Legal-in-UK.jpeg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2393009","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2393009"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2393009\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2393011,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2393009\/revisions\/2393011"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2393010"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2393009"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2393009"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2393009"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}