Years after Katherine Ryan allegedly confronted Russell Brand about alleged predatory behavior while working alongside her on Comedy Central’s “Roast Battle” in 2018, the comedian has spoken out following his conviction for rape and sexual assault.
“It really made me feel unregulated again, caught off guard, emotional, in awe of the survivors who had nothing to gain either,” Ryan said on the latest episode of her “Telling Everybody Everything” podcast. “They came forward despite fame, power, money and a legion of fans ready to attack them.”
The Canadian comedian said she and other women had privately processed the verdict, which she described as bringing both a sense of justice and renewed grief to those affected.
“I will never be someone who likes to dance on graves. Some justice was served today,” she said. “There is a certain level of relief, but there is sorrow alongside the relief.”
She continued: “It’s all nuanced, and it’s been proven in court that a terrible thing happened, and that means a terrible thing happened.”
Ryan previously made headlines in 2022 when she told Louis Theroux in his BBC documentary series that she confronted an unnamed comedian about his alleged predatory behavior. During the interview, Ryan said she worked alongside a man on a TV show and called him “predatory,” describing the potential legal repercussions as a “litigious minefield.”
Her comments fueled speculation that she was referring to Brand. Ryan has never publicly confirmed the identity of the actor she was talking about.
Brand, 51, was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault on Thursday following a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court in London. He was acquitted of two further charges of rape and one count of indecent assault. The comedian, who has denied all allegations of non-consensual sexual activity, is expected to be sentenced Monday.
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