Jemima Goldsmith alleges physical assault by Russell Brand

Television producer Jemima Goldsmith has accused her former partner Russell Brand of violence, coercive control, and abuse. Writing in a social media statement on Monday, the 52-year-old expressed support for the women who recently testified against Brand at his trial, following his sentencing to more than ten years in prison for rape and sexual assault. Goldsmith stated that she had to call the police to remove him from her home in 2014 during a violent altercation.

Goldsmith, known professionally as Jemima Khan, was in a relationship with the ex-comedian that reportedly ended in 2014. Explaining her decision not to press charges or go public at the time, she noted concerns regarding the press attention and its impact on her teenage children. She also mentioned that she had assisted journalists who exposed Brand in 2023 and had prepared to testify if the publications were sued.

Jemima Goldsmith revealed she called police on Russell Brand in 2014 after facing violence and abuse.

Online commentary and legal background

Goldsmith addressed renewed media reporting concerning a 2014 harassment injunction that she and Brand had taken out against a woman named Szilvia Berki. Berki had made allegations to the police after being booked to provide a massage at Goldsmith's residence in June 2014. Goldsmith stated she was present during the visit and saw nothing untoward at the time, although she later faced online commentary presenting an inaccurate narrative about the injunction.

Brand was recently found guilty of raping a fan and sexually assaulting three women between 2004 and 2009. Goldsmith maintained that her personal pain pales in comparison to the suffering of those victims who came forward to give evidence in court.

Why it matters

This development brings further public attention to the misconduct and legal accountability of high-profile figures. It highlights the challenges faced by partners of individuals later convicted of serious crimes when deciding whether to report incidents publicly.