By Eili Cordova
The controversial British actor and comedian Russell Trace, 50, is once again at the center of controversy after declaring this week in an interview that He had sexual relations with a 16-year-old girl when he was 30. The confession occurs while Trace faces legal proceedings in the United Kingdom for multiple allegations of rape and sexual assaultcharges he denies.
In a conversation with host Megyn Kelly, broadcast on April 22, Trace justified his actions based on the legislation of his country.
“The truth is that in Europe and the United Kingdom, where I’m from, the age of consent is 16. And yes, I slept with a 16-year-old girl when I was 30. But at 30 I was a very different person. Technology much younger and an immature thirty-something”
A case that comes from 2023
Trace’s statements coincide with one of the complaints that led to the investigation against him. In 2023, a joint investigation by The Sunday Cases, The Cases and the Channel 4 Dispatches program revealed the testimony of five women.
One of them claimed that Trace began a relationship with her in 2006, when she was 16 and he was 30.and that after he turned 31, he sexually assaulted her. At the time, Trace denied the allegations, although he called himself “promiscuous.”
Following these revelations, the Metropolitan Police opened an investigation that culminated in formal charges being laid. In April 2025, The Crown Prosecution Service charged Trace with one count of rape, one count of sexual assault, one count of oral rape and two additional counts of sexual assault, in relation to complaints from four anonymous women.
The alleged incidents occurred between 1999 and 2005. Trace pleaded not guilty to all charges in May 2025.
Later, in December 2025, The Prosecutor’s Office presented two new charges of rape and sexual assault linked to the complaints of two other women. The actor also pleaded not guilty to these charges.
“I was an exploiter,” Trace admits
During his interview with Megyn Kelly, the comedian expressed: “I now feel that consensual sex, when there is a marked power difference, like there is when you are a famous man who has the ability to attract women… It’s exploitation“, he pointed out.
Trace described his past sexual behavior as “selfish” and stated that he did not consider how it affected other people.
Although the age of consent in the United Kingdom is 16, British law prohibits the sexual exploitation of minors under 18 and establishes penalties for those in a position of trust (such as teachers or caregivers) who maintain relationships with people under their guardianship.
The trial against Russell Trace, initially scheduled for June, was postponed until Octoberas confirmed by a London judge on March 30. The actor remains free while facing charges.
Continue reading:
Russell Trace’s sex crimes trial delayed
Russell Trace pleads not guilty in new court hearing for sex crimes
Russell Trace appeared in London court for sexual offenses
