Bear Grylls Defends Russell Brand’s Christian Conversion as Genuine

TV adventurer Bear Grylls has publicly defended Russell Brand‘s conversion to Christianity, describing it as ‘a real moment of humility and repentance.’ Brand, 49, was baptized in the River Thames in April 2024, a ceremony Grylls assisted with, following Brand’s announcement that he saw it as an opportunity to leave his past behind.

The baptism came months before Brand faced serious allegations of rape, assault, and emotional abuse in September 2023, which he has consistently denied. The allegations were part of a joint investigation by Dispatches, The Times, and The Sunday Times. Grylls, a prominent Christian and former chief scout, faced criticism for his involvement in the baptism but stood by his decision, calling it ‘a privilege to stand beside anyone when they express a humble need for forgiveness.’

‘I never judge, and he was a friend through [appearing on Grylls’ show] Running Wild, and he’s had a real journey in his life,’ Grylls told the Daily Mail. ‘It was for him a real moment of humility and repentance and genuine heart-felt finding of quite a faith in his life.’ Grylls emphasized his belief in supporting individuals regardless of their past, stating, ‘We are called to love everybody and not to judge anyone.’

Brand shared an Instagram post of his baptism ceremony near his home in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, captioned, ‘Me, Bear Grylls, The River Thames and of course, The Holy Spirit.’ In a subsequent Facebook video, Brand thanked Grylls and a friend for their support during the ceremony, calling his first week as a Christian ‘amazing.’

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police confirmed in November 2024 that a file of evidence related to historic allegations of sexual misconduct against Brand had been handed to the Crown Prosecution Service. The investigation followed reports from women in London and elsewhere in the UK. Brand has denied all allegations, and Grylls expressed hope that the accusations are not true, stating, ‘Let’s hope those accusations aren’t true, for everybody’s sake.’