Netflix release new Russell Brand documentary days after rapist jailed

Netflix will stream a new Russell Brand documentary on November 13, just days after the comedian was sentenced to ten and a half years in prison for rape and sexual assault.

Netflix release amid sentencing

The streaming service announced that Russell Brand: Open Secret will be available worldwide on November 13. The timing follows the court’s verdict, which handed Brand a 10 years and six months sentence on Monday for one rape and three sexual assaults.

Trial and conviction details

The trial at Southwark Crown Court involved six complainants alleging attacks between 1999 and 2009. Brand was found guilty on four of seven counts. He was acquitted of two other rape charges and one charge of attempted indecent assault. The judge’s sentencing remarks highlighted the victim’s ordeal: “You flipped her over, removed the condom and, without asking, forced your penis into her anus, causing her great pain. She asked you to stop, then asked you again loudly. You replied, and I quote, ‘I want you to feel my cum.’ You ejaculated. She was distraught and in severe pain. The bed was heavily soiled by blood, sperm and faeces. You told her it was her mess, and made her try to clear it up. Shortly after, you went off to get ready, then went to work. She was driven to a nearby underground station by your driver, who for some reason had tissues ready to hand to her as she wept.”

“You flipped her over, removed the condom and, without asking, forced your penis into her anus, causing her great pain. She asked you to stop, then asked you again loudly. You replied, and I quote, ‘I want you to feel my cum.’ You ejaculated. She was distraught and in severe pain. The bed was heavily soiled by blood, sperm and faeces. You told her it was her mess, and made her try to clear it up. Shortly after, you went off to get ready, then went to work. She was driven to a nearby underground station by your driver, who for some reason had tissues ready to hand to her as she wept.”

Justice Joel Bennathan, Southwark Crown Court

Documentary production and investigative background

Directed by Olivia Isaacs and produced by 72 Films, a Fremantle company, the documentary traces Brand’s rise from television presenter to Hollywood star, his marriage to singer Katy Perry, and his later political activism. It incorporates archive footage and interviews with people who knew him. Two journalists from the 2023 investigation—Rosamund Urwin of The Sunday Times and Charlotte Wace of The Times—appear in the film, discussing how their reporting prompted the police probe that led to the trial. Their reporting was also featured in Channel 4's Dispatches.

The film also covers the Dispatches investigation that began in September 2023, which exposed a pattern of abuse that had long been ignored by the entertainment industry.

Industry response and political fallout

Brand’s conviction has prompted criticism from industry figures. Jonathan Ross released a statement saying he is “horrified” by Brand’s crimes and was “genuinely unaware” of his conduct. Ed Balls, former Labour shadow chancellor, revealed that he had warned Ed Miliband against meeting Brand during the 2015 general‑election campaign. Mr Miliband, now the Foreign Secretary, recorded an interview in Brand's flat in the final fortnight of the 2015 general election campaign. Mr Balls said at the time he had questioned Mr Miliband's decision to sit down with the now-disgraced comedian, calling him “weird” and “untrustworthy.”

Ed Miliband, now Foreign Secretary, responded to criticism by acknowledging the “horrifying” nature of Brand’s actions and expressing regret at his meeting with Brand.

Related investigations and broader context

Separately, fellow comedian David Walliams was named as part of an investigation by the Guardian and ITV News the day after Brand was jailed. Walliams has been accused of sexual misconduct and abusing his power to groom teenagers as young as 15, but denies any wrongdoing.

The Metropolitan Police later confirmed that Brand was also under investigation over further rape allegations made by two other women. These are separate from the charges in the trial.

Unanswered questions and industry implications

While the documentary and the court case have brought Brand’s conduct into public focus, questions remain about how the entertainment industry’s freelance‑heavy structure enabled his predatory behaviour for years. Experts cited in the film note that women may fear retaliation or career damage when reporting abuse, especially when a powerful figure is involved. The case is expected to influence future safeguarding policies and the handling of complaints within the industry.