The Daily Mail's podcast "The Brand Breakdown" is providing weekly recaps of the rape trial involving comedian and actor Russell Brand. Hosted by veteran court reporters Caroline Cheetham and Liz Hull, the podcast analyzes the significant developments from the proceedings at Southwark Crown Court.
Brand, 51, is facing charges including three counts of rape, three of sexual assault, and one of indecent assault. These allegations reportedly stem from incidents involving six women that occurred between 1999 and 2009. Brand has denied all charges.
During the second week of the trial, four additional women provided their testimonies. One accuser, a television worker, alleged that Brand committed oral rape in a bar restroom in 2004. Another, who worked at a radio station, claimed he sexually assaulted her in the presence of his entourage. A fan testified that Brand anally raped her at his London home in 2009, and a Channel 4 employee alleged that Brand placed his head in her lap and demanded a massage.
During cross-examination, defense counsel Ian Winter KC reportedly questioned the accusers, suggesting one could have resisted more forcefully and pressing another on the timeline of her reporting the alleged incident. Friends and family of the 2009 complainant reportedly described her as being "extremely distressed" following the alleged event.
Brand's defense is expected to present its case in the upcoming week.
"The Brand Breakdown" podcast is exclusively available to subscribers of The Crime Desk. Subscribers also gain access to "The Trial+" and "On The Case," along with ad-free listening across the Daily Mail's true-crime content.