From the Guardian · · 2m
Brand convicted weeks after Maha summit appearance
Russell Brand appeared as a featured speaker for Robert F Kennedy Jr's health movement weeks before his rape conviction in the UK.
In brief
Russell Brand appeared as a featured speaker for Robert F Kennedy Jr's health movement weeks before his rape conviction in the UK. Russell Brand was convicted of rape and sexual assault in the UK weeks after appearing as a featured speaker for Maha Action, a group allied with US health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr…
Brand convicted of rape and assault
Russell Brand was found guilty of raping a fan and sexually assaulting three other women by a UK court. He is due to be sentenced on Monday. Brand pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Maha summit appearance weeks before trial
In September 2026, Brand appeared as a moderator at the Maha Summit in Washington DC, a daylong event featuring Robert F Kennedy Jr, JD Vance and other Trump administration officials.His trial began two weeks later.
Brand and Oz made light of the moment
At the summit, Mehmet Oz introduced Brand by joking about him hugging the secretary of agriculture. Brand replied that she initiated the contact, prompting Oz to laugh and slap both knees.
“She initiated that contact, I should make clear, doctor.”
Lyons backed Brand during trial
Tony Lyons, who runs Maha Action and has close ties to Robert F Kennedy Jr, accompanied Brand as he left court during his first week on trial. Lyons said he believed Brand was falsely accused.
“We will stand up for you every week, week after week.”
Brand spoke on Maha calls during trial
During two Maha Action video calls in October while his trial was ongoing, Brand did not address the charges but spoke about experiencing the trial and praised Kennedy, Oz and others in the movement.
“Even in a time of great adversity, knowing that I have your support, Tony, has been incredibly valuable.”
Brand's involvement with Maha since 2025
Brand has been involved with Maha Action since 2025 and has participated as a featured speaker on multiple calls. He used his platform to criticize vaccines, vaccine mandates, junk food and pharmaceutical companies.
Trial revealed predatory pattern
During his trial, Brand was described as a ruthless, calculated and manipulative sexual predator.He was acquitted of two other rape charges and attempted indecent assault.He is now under investigation for two further rape allegations.
Maha movement faces reckoning
In the UK, Brand's conviction marked his fall from star to convicted rapist.In the US, the trial did little to tarnish his standing in the Maha movement.
What to remember
Russell Brand was convicted of rape and sexual assault in the UK weeks after appearing as a featured speaker for Maha Action, a group allied with US health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, where he had been a prominent supporter.
