Russell Brand took the stand in his London trial for rape and sexual assault, denying all seven charges against him. The comedian, dressed in a navy suit, stated his innocence when his barrister, Ian Winter KC, presented the charges.
During his testimony, Brand spoke about consent, describing it as "fundamental, essential, necessary and in many ways more important than sex itself." He characterized himself as a considerate lover whose behavior towards women was "complimentary, flirtatious, flattering, tactile." He admitted to "reckless philandering" and being "obsessed" with sex in his younger years, confirming it was "not a hobby."
The prosecution, led by Riel Karmy-Jones KC, challenged Brand's accounts. When asked about making an alleged victim feel better afterwards, Brand replied, "I didn't realise there was a requirement to make her feel better." He stated, "I don't remember" when questioned about whether a complainant enjoyed a sexual encounter. He also described some of the prosecution's arguments as "absurd."
Brand described his upbringing as "pretty normal" with "a good many issues." He referred to the events that led to the trial as "deeply traumatic" and noted the "devastating" effect the Despatches documentary, which first aired allegations against him, had on his life.
The trial at Southwark Crown Court involves three counts of rape, three charges of sexual assault, and one charge of attempted indecent assault, with allegations spanning nearly two decades. Brand concluded his evidence and returned to the dock.