Pulled over the night before the story broke, Brand denied the allegations and framed the report as an attack on his free speech.
This pivot saw Brand cultivate deep connections across the American right, which embraced him.
He went on to attend Trump's second inauguration, toured with Tucker Carlson, and formed connections with conservative figures such as Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
As Brand developed into an influencer associated with the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, his supporters portrayed him as a victim of left-wing persecution.
However, prosecutors argued that Brand used his position and influence to evade responsibility, stressing that neither historical fame nor political conformity shields individuals from justice.
Brand, who has denied all charges, must serve two-thirds of his sentence in custody before he is eligible for release on licence.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed he remains under investigation in relation to further separate allegations.