The rise and fall of Russell Brand, symbol of the UK’s ‘lad culture’

Russell Brand, once a symbol of UK 'lad culture', has been sentenced to over ten years in prison for sexual assault. His memoirs celebrated his controversial lifestyle, but recent revelations have painted a darker picture of his behavior. Brand was convicted of raping one woman and abusing three others, with testimonies detailing horrific acts. Despite his past as a provocateur and conspiracy theorist, his trial has sparked discussions about victim-blaming and the media's role in his rise. Brand's case reflects a broader reckoning with the culture that enabled such behavior, yet many media outlets have not fully addressed their complicity in his celebrity status.