Publications
Partners
Scandal-plagued comedian and actor Russell Brand says he's a changed man after being baptised by Bear Grylls in the River Thames.
The 49-year-old shared a photo of himself after his water baptism. He was embracing TV survival expert Bear, and a friend identified only as Joe.
READ MORE | Bullying, rape, harassment – the damning claims that destroyed Russell Brand
“I got baptised and it was an incredible and profound experience,” he said in a video he posted on social media.
“Many aspects of it were very intimate and personal – the truth is: as a person that has in the past taken many, many substances and [I've] always been disappointed with [its] inability to deliver the kind of tranquility and peace and even transcendence that I’ve always felt I’ve been looking for.”
A collaborative investigation by several UK media outlets late last year saw the actor being accused by multiple women of sexual assault and inappropriate workplace behaviour between 2006 and 2013.
He's been questioned by police, but has denied the allegations.
While investigations continue, Russell has been sharing his journey into Christianity on social media.
“I’ve already felt irritation. I’ve got three children. I got a job. I’ve got challenges. I still live in the world, but I feel a new resource in me has switched on," he said after being baptised.
His baptism, he said, was an "an opportunity to die and be reborn".
"An opportunity to leave the past behind and be reborn in Christ’s name.”
He added that he hopes that his new journey will benefit his family – his wife, Laura (36), and their kids, Mabel (7), Peggy (5) and a son born last year whose name has not been made public.
READ MORE | Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sued by producer who alleges the rapper sexually assaulted him
“I’m learning and I will make mistakes, but this is my path and I already feel incredibly blessed, relieved, nourished, held.
"It’s been an incredible experience.”
SOURCES: AMERICANADDICTIONCENTRE.ORG, INSTAGRAM.COM, DAILYMAIL.CO.UK
