Russell Brand has admitted he is not perfect and ‘makes mistakes’ as he has turned to Christianity.
The 48-year-old comedian's new religious endeavour follows the dad-of-three hitting the headlines last year. Multiple allegations against Brand were first made during Channel 4's explosive Dispatches documentary, Russell Brand: In Plain Sight.
Brand was accused of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse - with the incidents allegedly taking place between 2006 and 2013. Brand strongly denied the allegations ahead of the show airing on 19th September and has not been charged with any criminal offence. Since the show aired, Brand has continued to strongly deny any and all allegations.
Last weekend, Brand claimed he was converting to Christianity - a move many have regarded as an attempt to draw a line under the accusations made against him last year so he can reinvent himself. On Monday, he took to social media to issue a lengthy statement via video where he declared he had a ‘profound’ experience by being baptised.
He claimed he felt “changed” by the religious encounter - while also going on to tell fans he was “learning” is not “perfect” and accepted he does “make mistakes”. He also accepted that cynics will struggle to believe he is taking his alleged newfound love for religion seriously.
Sitting in a barren room and with a crucifix clearly hung around his neck, Brand addressed his fans on camera, saying: “Yesterday I got baptised and it was an incredible, profound experience. And many of you will have had your own experiences of baptism and will therefore know what I’m talking about.
“Many aspects of it were very intimate and personal. The truth is this. As a person that has, in the past, taken many, many substances, and always been disappointed with their inability to deliver the kind of tranquility and peace and even transcendence that I always felt I’ve been looking for. Something occurred in the process of baptism that was incredible. Overwhelming. Literally overwhelming because I was under water. And it was the River Thames, at some points. So I felt changed. Transitioned.
“Now, of course even though it’s been less than 24 hours, in the interim period I’ve already felt some irritation. I’ve got three children, I’ve got a job. I’ve got challenges. I still live in the world. But I feel as if some new resource within me has switched on.” He went on: “So many of your comments have been so beautiful and encouraging. And I really appreciate it. And also even the cynicism. I understand. Because some people will just see me as a celebrity. But I don’t see me as a celebrity, because I was me as a little boy.
"I was me when I was a junkie. I was me when I was poor. I’ve been me in all of the different phases. But I recognise that anything in this terrain, in the social media world, could be exploited and utilised. For me, I’ve made the decision and I know what the decision is. I’ve made it for myself. And I pray that it will be relevant to my family and my children. My wife’s catholic, she’s already made her own choices in this life - including this one,” while gesturing towards himself.
He continued: “This is new for me. I am learning. And I will make mistakes. This is my path now. And I already feel incredibly blessed, relieved, nourished, held. It’s been an incredible experience. I wish I could tell you exactly about it, ‘cause there were amazing individuals involved. There were incredible and bizarre incidents that took place that felt serendipitous.”
Signing off, he added: “This is new to me and this is a joy to me. And I know I’m not expected to be perfect and I know that’s not something I’d be able to deliver. Those of you who have embraced me, I am so grateful. I can’t tell you how happy I feel and how relieved I feel. But as you know, if you know, my resources are coming from somewhere else. And some one else now.” He also said: “I love you so much and I am so grateful to be surrendered in Christ.”
Brand is married to author and illustrator Laura Gallacher - who is the sister of Sky Sports star Kirsty. Laura, 36, has stood by Brand following the allegations against him and together they share three children; daughters Mable and Peggy, born in 2016 and 2018 respectively, and son, Herbie, born this year. In the past, Brand has claimed to be a Buddhist and has shown an interest in the Hare Krishna Movement.
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