Russell Brand admits to 'Consensual sex' with 16-y-o when he was 30, cites UK law

The 50-year-old actor, Russell Brand, is admitting to having sex with a 16-year-old when he was 30, noting that while it was legal in the United Kingdom, he now believes such relationships involved a troubling power imbalance.

During an interview with Megyn Kelly he said, "Consensual sex... when there is a strong power differential... I think involves exploitation."

Despite these admissions, Brand pushed back strongly against the criminal allegations, saying the issue being debated publicly is morality, not illegality.

"What I'm... opposing is the idea that this is a judicial criminal matter, where consent was overridden," he said. "What happened was consent was directed."

Brand also suggested that the allegations surfaced at a time when he had become increasingly outspoken on political issues, including criticism of governments and institutions, hinting that his views may have made him a target.

The interview comes as Brand faces multiple charges in the United Kingdom, including rape and sexual assault, all of which he has denied in court.

Brand has spoken out in detail about the sexual assault allegations hanging over him, admitting to past "exploitative" behaviour while insisting he is not guilty of any criminal offences.

"I was a hedonist and a fool and an exploiter of women," Brand said, while stressing that he never overrode consent.

A trial is expected to begin in June, where the claims will be tested before a jury.

In the meantime, Brand said he is focused on confronting his past behaviour while fighting the charges, adding that he is praying for "justice" for all involved.

- Antwaine Campbell

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