Russell Brand was baptized in the Thames yesterday as the disgraced comedian converts to Christianity following allegations of rape and sexual assault.
Brand says he now feels “nourished” and “like a new resource” has been “ignited within me” after his baptism yesterday.
The former Buddhist, 48, did not make any reference to the accusations currently against him in the video posted on his social media channels, but he did say that he faced “challenges” in his life.
Brand announced last week that he was “taking the plunge” as it is an “opportunity to leave the past behind.”
Last year, a Dispatches documentary on Channel 4 exposed allegations of sexual assault during the height of her fame, as part of an investigation with The Sunday Times and The Times.
Russell Brand says he now feels “nourished” and “as if a new resource” has been “ignited within me” after his baptism in the Thames.
The former Buddhist, 48, does not make any reference in the video published on his social networks about the accusations currently against him.
In October 2023, Brand faced serious allegations from a number of women, including rape and sexual assault, when four women made allegations. The comedian has strenuously denied any wrongdoing and says he has evidence to refute the allegations.
He described being baptized as an “incredible, profound experience” and that “something happened in the baptism process that was incredible, overwhelming.”
Telling his followers that he felt changed and in transition, he said: “Now, of course, although less than 24 hours have passed in the intervening period, I have already felt irritation: I have three children, I have a job, I have challenges, I still I live in the world. But I feel as if a new resource within me has been activated.’
The controversial comedian has retreated to his rural retreat in Oxfordshire in recent months after being questioned twice by police in relation to rape allegations.
Since December, he has published several videos and images on social networks in which he talks about his relationship with Christianity.
In his announcement last week, Brand said: “What has been explained to me is that it is an opportunity to die and be reborn.” An opportunity to leave the past behind and be reborn in the name of Christ.’
He then referenced a scripture verse and added, “As it says in Galatians, that you can live as an enlightened and awakened person,” before saying that the prospect of baptism was “so attractive and beautiful.”
He went on to explain his decision: ‘People are very cynical about the growing interest in Christianity and returning to God, but to me it’s obvious.
Brand took to Instagram last week to announce that he was “taking the plunge”
Last year, a Dispatches documentary on Channel 4 exposed allegations of sexual assault during the height of her fame, as part of an investigation with The Sunday Times and The Times.
The comedian has strenuously denied any wrongdoing and says he has evidence to refute the allegations. He has called the claims a “mainstream media” conspiracy.
After the allegations came to light, Brand appeared on Tucker Carlson’s show last month, where he addressed the allegations he faces.
Documentary Russell Brand Dispatches on Channel 4 has been nominated for a TV BAFTA (pictured is a still from the documentary)
‘As meaning deteriorates in the modern world, as our value systems and institutions crumble, we all become increasingly aware that there is an eerily familiar awakening and striking figure that we have all known throughout our lives. life, within us and around us.
“And for me it’s very exciting.”
After the rape and sexual assault allegations came to light, Brand appeared on Tucker Carlson’s show, where he referenced the allegations he faces and the police and ongoing investigations several times.
Speaking on Carlson’s broadcast, Brand said: “I reject the allegations in the strongest terms possible. “I am aware that I have put myself in an extremely vulnerable position by being very, very promiscuous.
‘Attacks like this, accused of what I consider the most heinous crimes, are very painful and hurtful. But the foolish way I lived in the past has consequences,” he continued.
Brand described the crimes he is accused of as “appalling” before adding that the criticism he faces is a “profound and deliberate attempt to stamp out any dissent in a shockingly aggressive manner.”
Brand has been questioned by detectives from London’s Metropolitan Police over allegations of historic sexual offences.
The force said in September it had launched an investigation into a series of non-recent sexual offense allegations following media reports that women had accused Brand of a series of sexual assaults.
Brand has rejected what he has described as “very serious allegations”, saying on his social media channels that he has never had sex without consent. No charges have been laid in the UK.