Bear Grylls says Russell Brand's conversion to Christianity 'seemed genuine to me' after attending his private baptism - as actor now faces years in prison for rape

Bear Grylls says he believed Russell Brand's conversion to Christianity 'seemed genuine' when he helped to baptise the disgraced rapist in the River Thames.The Man Vs Wild star and former SAS soldier helped to lower Brand, 51, into the water close to the comedian's house in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire in April 2024.But Grylls, who is well-known as an advocate of Christianity, has faced calls to issue a statement on why he did so after Brand was found guilty of raping a fan and sexually assaulting three women yesterday.This morning, Grylls posted a statement on X describing his attendance as a 'guest' at the baptism as 'part of our calling as men and women of faith', and said he believed Brand's born-again faith was real.Reacting to the news of Brand's guilty verdict, Grylls wrote on X: 'Brand's faith seemed genuine to me at the time when I was a guest at his private baptism.'I have attended a few now. Even visiting in prisons with people who have committed terrible crimes.'It's part of our calling as men and women of faith, to love and serve anyone. It is the sick that need healing.'Judgement is for the courts and God… I wouldn't want to ever discourage someone's coming to faith.'It is right that justice has now been served. I can't imagine how hard this time has been for the victims, the heroes of the day.' Russell Brand embracing Bear Grylls and friend and former boxer Joe McCann following his baptism in the Thames in April 2024 In a post on X Grylls said he believed Brand's conversion to Christianity was 'genuine' at the time he attended the baptism Brand and Grylls became friends during filming of the reality show Running Wild (pictured)The baptism came several months after sexual assault allegations were first made public following a joint investigation by the Sunday Times and Channel 4 that was published in September 2023.Brand then announced his conversion to Christianity in early 2024 - and posted a picture of himself embracing Grylls and another friend, the boxer Joe McCann, on Instagram in the spring.He captioned the image: 'Me, Bear Grylls, The River Thames and of course, The Holy Spirit.'Grylls is a Christian and published the devotional book Soul Fuel in 2019, and The Greatest Story Ever Told: An Eyewitness Account, a retelling of the story of Jesus, in 2025.He has previously defended his involvement in the baptism, having befriended Brand during filming of the reality show Running Wild.He told the Daily Mail that it was 'a privilege to stand beside anyone when they express a humble need for forgiveness'.Brand published his book, How To Become A Christian In 7 Days, in May 2026, and sat in his police interviews with a copy of the Bible in front of him. He was also seen carrying a copy of the book into court at times - and infamously fumbled his words as he was challenged by broadcaster Piers Morgan on his favourite verses and scripture.He preyed on women he encountered while becoming one of Britain's best-known stand-up comedians, a lauded TV and radio host, and a Hollywood movie star.His victims came to court to reveal how Brand had forced them into sexual activity, sometimes within seconds of them first meeting, using his fame to determinedly pursue a goal of sex with 5,000 women.Southwark Crown Court heard Brand, who once boasted he would not relent in his pursuit of sex before getting his 'birthright orgasm', ignored pleas from women for him to stop.Six women gave evidence against Brand, while the former comedian, who was once married to Katy Perry, could not persuade any of his celebrity friends or former showbiz colleagues to give evidence in his defence.He was cleared of two further charges of rape and one allegation of attempted indecent assault.Grylls - one of the most high-profile Christian celebrities in Britain - said today that he sincerely believed Brand