Jurors have begun deliberating on verdicts in the trial of media personality Russell Brand, who faces charges including rape and sexual assault. The trial has been ongoing for three weeks at Southwark Crown Court in London.

Brand, 51, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape, three of sexual assault, and one of attempted indecent assault. The charges stem from allegations made by six women, spanning a decade between 1999 and 2009. Prosecutors have described Brand as someone who "didn't listen" when women said no and "didn't care," while his defense has argued that while he engaged in extensive sexual activity, none of it was unlawful.

During the trial, Brand admitted using his fame to "facilitate sexual access," which he now regrets, but denied any criminal wrongdoing. His barrister told the jury that none of the alleged incidents were reported to police at the time and suggested that subsequent media investigations had influenced potential complainants.

Prosecutors characterized Brand as viewing women as a "disposable commodity" and a "means to an end." The court heard that the accusers, who do not know each other, described his personality as shifting from "charming to frightening to nasty" during the alleged assaults, and that they had been "haunted for years" by their experiences.

Specific allegations include a rape in Bournemouth in 1999 after meeting at a Labour Party conference, an alleged sexual assault at a London bar in 2004, and a subsequent alleged rape at his home in 2009 after a consensual encounter at a theatre. Brand has denied all these accusations. Other accusations involve alleged groping, forced massage, and an attempted dragging into a toilet.

Brand's wife, Laura, testified in his defense, describing him as a "caring, kind and a wonderful father." Allegations of sexual misconduct against Brand first surfaced publicly in 2023.

Brand rose to fame as a comedian and television presenter in the UK during the 2000s, later establishing a Hollywood acting career. He was married to singer Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012. In recent years, he has focused on online commentary on social and political issues.