In a pivotal court appearance, Russell Brand has firmly pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault, setting the stage for a trial scheduled for June 2026.
Russell Brand Maintains Innocence Amidst Rape and Assault Charges
Russell Brand Maintains Innocence Amidst Rape and Assault Charges
Comedian and actor pleads not guilty following allegations spanning between 1999 and 2005.
Russell Brand, the renowned broadcaster and comedian, entered Southwark Crown Court in London to formally respond to five serious charges against him. The 49-year-old marked his first courtroom appearance by declaring not guilty, facing allegations that include one count of rape, one of indecent assault, one of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. The accusations involve incidents that purportedly occurred in central London and Bournemouth between 1999 and 2005, relating to four different women.
The allegations detail specific incidents, such as Brand's purported oral rape and sexual assault of a woman in July 2004, and the alleged rape of another woman in 1999. Additionally, one count includes charges of grabbing a woman's arm to indecently drag her towards a men's restroom in 2001, while another involves the alleged sexual assault of a woman through unwanted kissing and groping in 2004 or 2005.
Attired in a dark suit with an unbuttoned shirt, Brand refrained from addressing reporters as he entered the court. Inside the glass dock, he confirmed his identity and consistently responded with "not guilty" to each charge articulated. Once again placing his sunglasses over his eyes, he exited the dock, thanking the usher before being escorted by security past a crowd of photographers and cameras to his awaiting vehicle.
Following his initial charges announced in April, Brand issued a video statement reiterating his denial of wrongdoing, asserting, "I’m now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court and I'm incredibly grateful for that." The media figure, hailing from Hambleden, Buckinghamshire, will remain on conditional bail as preparations for the upcoming trial unfold. A pre-trial review is set for 20 May 2026.
Brand's career rose to fame through stand-up comedy and popularity on television shows like Big Brother's Big Mouth. He later transitioned to Hollywood, featuring in films such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him To The Greek.
