‘My principle doesn’t just apply to perfect people with perfect lives,’ TV adventurer said. Bear Grylls has explained why he attended Russell Brand‘s baptism after a documentary exposed allegations of sexual assault against the comedian. In May 2024, Brand revealed that he had been baptised in the River Thames, during a ceremony held in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, so he could “leave the past behind”.
![[Bear Grylls and a third man hug Russell Brand after he's baptised in River Thames]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/02/08/9/42/Screenshot-2025-02-08-at-09-05-40.png)
The baptism occurred months after a Dispatches and Sunday Times investigation highlighted accusations by four women of rape, sexual assault and abuse at the height of Brand’s fame between 2006 and 2013. Brand denies all allegations. A photo showed Grylls embracing the comedian, who wrote: “Me, Bear Grylls, The River Thames and of course, The Holy Spirit.”. Grylls addressed the baptism in a new interview while promoting Netflix show Celebrity Bear Hunt, explaining that he struck up a friendship with Brand when he appeared on Running Wild – and that his faith helped him support the comedian.
“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,” Grylls said. “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.
“I say my prayers in the morning, say sorry, say thank you, say help. I’ve seen a lot of life. I’ve seen a lot of loss. I’ve seen a lot of difficult moments. And my faith has been a quiet strength and backbone through that.”. The devout christian previously described being at Brand’s baptism as a “privilege” after the comedian’s “tough time”. “Faith and spiritual moments in our lives are really personal,” he told The Daily Mail. “But it is a privilege to stand beside anyone when they express a humble need for forgiveness and strength from above.”.
