Bear Grylls explains his presence at Russell Brand’s baptism in light of sexual assault allegations

nme.com:

Russell Brand’s baptism, despite the sexual assault allegations against the comedian.Last May, the presenter and survival expert was seen in images shared by Brand as he was “taking the plunge” and “getting baptised” in the River Thames near Henley-On-Thames in Oxfordshire.That followed a wave of accusations against Brand in September 2023 which saw him accused of multiple counts of rape, assault and emotional abuse between 2006 and 2013.

He has strongly denied all of the allegations.Now, Grylls has spoken about his involvement in the ceremony during an interview promoting his new Netflix reality show Celebrity Bear Hunt.

Explaining that he first met Brand when he appeared on the celebrity survival show Running Wild and they have remained friends ever since, he said (via Independent): “I try and live in a way that I never judge and I always try and love – and that principle doesn’t just apply to perfect people with perfect lives.”A post shared by Russell Brand (@russellbrand)“He was a Running Wild guest; I’m friends with many of our Running Wild guests.

And I always try to think of that phrase, ‘WWJD’ – what would Jesus do? That’s been a guiding principle for me.”Grylls continued: “I don’t feel particularly ‘churched’ in a formal sort of religion, but I have a strong Christian faith that’s been part of my life for many years.