Bear Grylls has said Russell Brand’s conversion to Christianity “seemed genuine” when he attended his private baptism, after the comedian was convicted of rape and sexual assault.
Bear Grylls has spoken about Russell Brand’s conversion to Christianity after revealing that the comedian’s faith “seemed genuine” when he attended his private baptism in early 2024.
The TV adventurer, who helped baptise Brand in the River Thames near Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, posted on social media after the 51-year-old was convicted of rape and sexual assault.
Brand was found guilty of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others following a trial at Southwark Crown Court. He was also cleared of two further rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Reflecting on the verdict, Grylls shared a statement on X, explaining that he had attended Brand’s baptism and believed his religious conversion had been sincere at the time.
“Brand’s faith seemed genuine to me at the time when I was a guest at his private baptism,” he wrote. “I have attended a few now. Even visiting in prisons with people who have committed terrible crimes.
“It’s part of our calling as men and women of faith, to love and serve anyone. It is the sick that need healing. Judgement is for the courts and God… I wouldn’t want to ever discourage someone’s coming to faith.
“It is right that justice has now been served. I can’t imagine how hard this time has been for the victims, the heroes of the day.”
Brand previously shared a photograph from the baptism on Instagram, showing Grylls embracing him in the water. Alongside the image, he wrote: “Me, Bear Grylls, The River Thames and of course, The Holy Spirit.”
Grylls is a Christian and has written about his faith in several books, including his 2019 devotional Soul Fuel and 2025 release The Greatest Story Ever Told: An Eyewitness Account, which retells the story of Jesus.
Sexual misconduct allegations about Brand were first published in September 2023, including in the Channel 4 investigation Russell Brand: In Plain Sight.
Brand explored his religious beliefs in his book How To Become A Christian In 7 Days, published in May 2026.
The comedian was once one of Britain’s most recognisable entertainers, building a career as a stand-up comic before becoming a popular television and radio presenter and Hollywood actor. He was also previously married to pop star Katy Perry.
However, the trial heard how Brand used his fame to pursue women and subjected them to sexual violence. Six women gave evidence against him, describing how he had forced them into sexual activity, in some cases shortly after they first met.
Southwark Crown Court heard that Brand had ignored women who asked him to stop. The court was also told about his previous boast that he would not give up his pursuit of sex until he had achieved his “birthright orgasm”.
Brand now faces a significant prison sentence following his convictions. The six women who gave evidence during the trial have lifelong anonymity.
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