Katy Perry’s Ex-Husband Russell Brand Admits He Used His Fame to Have Sex

British comedian Russell Brand has admitted in court that he used his celebrity status to pursue sexual relationships with women, saying he now believes his behaviour was wrong. However, Katy Perry’s ex-husband denies the rape and sexual assault charges he is facing, The Guardian reports.

“As I became more successful and famous, I allowed my fame to make it easier for me to access sex. I accept that this was wrong,” the 51-year-old Brand told Southwark Crown Court in London.

The comedian also said that, when he was younger, he was obsessed with sex and devoted a significant part of his life to flirting with women and trying to win them over. However, he rejected the suggestion that he had set himself the goal of sleeping with 5,000 women.

“I was persistent, seductive, pleading and flirtatious. I now understand that it went beyond recklessness and foolishness,” he admitted.

The trial involves allegations made by six women. Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault. The alleged incidents took place between 1999 and 2009.

The comedian has pleaded not guilty, maintaining that the sexual encounters were consensual. Prosecutors, meanwhile, have pointed to discrepancies between his earlier statements to police and his current account in court.

Brand also spoke about the fallout from the scandal that erupted after a journalistic investigation in 2023. He said the allegations had damaged his relationships with friends and former colleagues, adding that he now feels his entire life revolves around the legal proceedings.

The trial is ongoing. Brand’s admission that he used his fame to pursue sexual relationships does not amount to an admission of guilt on the criminal charges. He continues to maintain his innocence.

Photo: Hannah McKay/Reuters