The short version
- Jemima Goldsmith has publicly accused Russell Brand of physical assault and coercive control during their relationship in the mid-2010s.
- She stated she called police to remove him from her home in 2014 but declined to press charges to protect her children from media scrutiny.
- Goldsmith also addressed a 2015 injunction against Szilvia Berki, denying knowledge of any misconduct during Berki’s visit and citing harassment as the reason for legal action.
Jemima Goldsmith has joined the chorus of women speaking out against Russell Brand following his sentencing to more than ten years in prison for rape and sexual assault. The television producer, who dated the disgraced entertainer for approximately one year around 2014, released a detailed statement on social media accusing him of violence, coercive control, and abuse. Her comments come shortly after a judge sentenced Brand to ten-and-a-half years behind bars, citing his arrogant disregard for women’s consent and his belief that fame granted him immunity from consequences.
Goldsmith revealed that she had to contact law enforcement in 2014 to have Brand removed from her residence during a violent incident. Despite the severity of the event, she chose not to pursue criminal charges at the time. She explained that her decision was driven by concern for the well-being of her then-teenage children, whom she wished to shield from intense press attention and public scrutiny. She noted that while her experience paled in comparison to the trauma suffered by the women who testified at Brand’s trial, the period left a lasting negative impact on her life.
The former partner emphasized her support for the victims who came forward during the legal proceedings, expressing admiration for their courage in ensuring justice was served. She clarified that she has neither seen nor spoken to Brand since their relationship ended in 2014. Goldsmith also disclosed that she had assisted journalists investigating Brand’s behavior prior to his conviction, including those working on a documentary and newspaper reports published in 2023. She stated she was prepared to testify regarding his abusiveness if the media outlets faced legal challenges from Brand.
Her statement also addressed renewed public interest in a harassment injunction that Goldsmith and Brand obtained against Szilvia Berki in October 2015. The injunction, which prevented Berki from discussing an alleged assault by Brand at Goldsmith’s home, had been highlighted recently by a policy think tank. Goldsmith sought to clarify the circumstances surrounding Berki’s visit in June 2014, stating that Berki had arrived to provide a massage but did not proceed with the service. She asserted that she was present during the entire thirty-minute encounter and observed nothing inappropriate.
Goldsmith disputed allegations made by Berki, who reportedly told police that Brand pushed her as she left and that she was attacked by Goldsmith’s dog. Police reviewed CCTV footage and statements from the time and concluded there was no case to answer regarding Berki’s claims. However, Goldsmith alleged that Berki subsequently sent a series of threatening messages containing antisemitic content and posted false allegations about her on social media. She described these actions as part of a campaign of harassment that prompted her to seek legal protection.
The former partner criticized recent media narratives surrounding the injunction, arguing they presented an untrue account of events and exposed her to online hatred and abuse. She maintained that if she had witnessed any man abusing a woman under any circumstances, she would have intervened immediately. The high court judge who granted the injunction in 2015 was Mr Justice Jay, a former leading counsel involved in the Leveson inquiry into press ethics.
Brand’s sentencing hearing included victim impact statements that detailed the long-term psychological effects of his crimes. One survivor described feeling traumatized for years and struggling with self-worth, while another spoke of carrying the trauma daily. The judge noted Brand’s casual arrogance regarding women’s rights to refuse sexual advances. A vehicle believed to be transporting Brand was observed arriving at HMP Wandsworth in London following the hearing.
Goldsmith’s public account adds another layer to the complex narrative surrounding Brand’s downfall, illustrating how past legal maneuvers and private conflicts have resurfaced in light of his conviction. While she did not press charges for the 2014 incident, her willingness to speak now underscores the broader cultural reckoning with abuse by powerful figures. The case continues to draw attention to the challenges victims face when deciding whether to engage with the legal system or remain silent.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Brand's ex Jemima Goldsmith accuses him of violence and abuse against her
- The Guardian World↗Jemima Goldsmith says ex-partner Russell Brand physically assaulted her
