Comedian and actor Russell Brand took the witness stand in his own defense during the third week of his rape trial at Southwark Crown Court. Brand, 51, faces three counts of rape, three of sexual assault, and one of indecent assault related to alleged offenses against six women between 1999 and 2009, all of which he denies.
Brand told jurors that the 2023 allegations had been 'devastating' and stated he could not persuade anyone to testify on his behalf. He acknowledged being 'extremely promiscuous' earlier in his life but maintained he never forced any of the six women to engage in sexual activity against their will.
During cross-examination by prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC, Brand repeatedly stated he could not recall the alleged incidents. When asked if his memory was selective, he insisted he was doing his 'best'.
"The Brand Breakdown," a podcast hosted by veteran court reporters Caroline Cheetham and Liz Hull, offers a weekly roundup of key moments from the trial. The podcast is available exclusively to subscribers of The Crime Desk, providing subscribers access to additional content such as "The Trial+" and "On The Case," along with ad-free listening across the Daily Mail's true-crime series.