Russell Brand reveals he’s been baptised in the Thames as he turns to Christianity after rape and sex assault allegations: Disgraced comic claims he feels ‘nourished’ by baptism

Russell Brand was baptized in the Thames yesterday as the disgraced comedian turned to Christianity following allegations of rape and sexual assault.

Brand says he now feels “nourished” and “as if a new resource” has been “turned on” within me after his baptism yesterday.

The former Buddhist, 48, made no mention of the charges currently hanging over him in the video posted to his social media channels, but he did say he faced “challenges” in his life.

Brand announced last week that he would ‘take the leap’ because 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 his fame, as part of an investigation with The Sunday Times and The Times.

The former Buddhist, 48, made no reference to the charges currently hanging over him in the video posted to his social media channels.

In October 2023, Brand faced serious allegations from a series of women, including rape and sexual assault, when four women made allegations. The comedian has strongly denied wrongdoing and says he has evidence to refute the allegations.

He described baptism as an “incredibly profound experience” and that “something happened during the baptismal process that was incredible and overwhelming.”

He told his followers that he felt changed and in transition, saying: ‘Even though it has not even been 24 hours in the intervening period, I already feel irritated: I have three children, I have a job, I have challenges, I still live in the world. But I feel like a new resource has been turned on within me.”

The controversial comedian has retreated to his rural Oxfordshire home in recent months after being twice questioned by police over rape allegations.

Since December, he has posted a number of videos and photos on social media discussing 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 referred to a verse from the Bible and added: “As it is written in Galatians, that you may live as an enlightened and awakened person,” before saying that the prospect of baptism was “so inviting and beautiful.”

He continued as he further explained his decision: “People are so cynical about the increasing interest in Christianity and the return to God, but to me it is clear.

Brand took to Instagram last week announcing he was ‘taking the plunge’

Last year, a Dispatches documentary on Channel 4 exposed allegations of sexual abuse during the height of his fame, as part of an investigation with The Sunday Times and The Times

The comedian has strongly denied wrongdoing and says he has evidence to refute the allegations. He calls the claims a conspiracy by the ‘mainstream media’

After the claims came to light, Brand appeared on Tucker Carlson’s show last month, where he referenced the allegations he faced

Channel 4’s Russell Brand Dispatches documentary has been nominated for a TV BAFTA (a still from the documentary is pictured)

‘As meaning deteriorates in the modern world, as our value systems and institutions crumble, we are all becoming increasingly aware that there is an eerily familiar awakening and beckoning figure that we have all known all our lives, within us and around us .

‘And for me it is very exciting.’

After the rape and sexual assault claims came to light, Brand appeared on Tucker Carlson’s show, where he made several references to the allegations he faced and the ongoing police and investigations.

During Carlson’s broadcast, Brand said, “I reject the allegations in the strongest possible terms.” 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 abhorrent of crimes, are deeply painful and hurtful. But there are consequences for the foolish way I lived in the past,” he continued.

Brand described the crimes he is accused of as “heinous” before adding that the criticism he is facing is a “deliberate pervasive attempt to suppress any dissent in an astonishingly aggressive manner.”

Brand has been questioned by detectives from London’s Metropolitan Police about allegations of historical sexual offences.

The force said in September it had launched an investigation into a number of allegations of non-recent sex crimes, following media reports that women had accused Brand of a series of sex crimes.

Brand has rejected what he has described as “very serious allegations”, saying on his social media channels that he has never had non-consensual sex. No charges have been filed in Britain.