Russell Brand trial begins in London on rape and sexual assault charges
The comedian has pleaded not guilty to accusations spanning a decade.
Comedian Russell Brand arrived at Southwark Crown Court in London on Monday to face trial on charges including rape and sexual assault. The trial is expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks.
Brand, 51, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault. The allegations involve six women and are said to have occurred between 1999 and 2009. He has been released on bail.
Prosecutors have stated that Brand is accused of raping a woman at a hotel during a Labour Party conference, grabbing a television worker's breasts and forcing a sex act in a toilet, and kissing and groping a radio station employee. British law protects the identities of alleged sexual assault victims for life.
Brand, known for his stand-up comedy and past struggles with addiction, achieved mainstream success in the early 2000s with television hosting roles, a BBC radio show, and film appearances. In recent years, he has shifted away from mainstream media, relocated to Florida, and cultivated a significant online following through videos that blend wellness, conspiracy theories, and religious commentary.