Russell Brand trial begins with jury selection at Southwark Crown Court
The comedian faces seven charges—three counts of rape and four of sexual assault—involving six women. Alleged offences span 1999 to 2009. Trial is set to last until December 11.
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Jury selection began Monday at Southwark Crown Court in the trial of comedian Russell Brand, 51, who faces three counts of rape and four counts of sexual assault. The alleged offences occurred between 1999 and 2009.
Brand, dressed in a grey suit and long hair, arrived at court with his wife. The press box was full on the opening day. Hearings are set to begin Wednesday, with the trial scheduled to conclude December 11.
Brand denies all charges. According to court materials, one accuser says Brand raped her in a hotel room while she attended a Labour Party conference in Bournemouth. Another, described as a television industry employee, alleges Brand grabbed her breasts and raped her after pulling her into a men's toilet.
Brand currently lives in Florida and was released on bail. The digital creator has millions of followers across YouTube, X, and Instagram, where he regularly expresses anti-establishment and conspiracy ideas.
Brand began his career as a stand-up comedian in adolescence and was known for provocative and sexually explicit humour before becoming a film actor. He presented a show on BBC Radio 2 between 2006 and 2008, leaving after sending a sexually explicit voicemail about an actor's granddaughter. Brand was previously married to singer Katy Perry.
By the numbers
What charges does Russell Brand face?
Brand faces three counts of rape and four counts of sexual assault.
What time period do the alleged offences cover?
The alleged offences occurred between 1999 and 2009.
When is the trial scheduled to conclude?
The trial at Southwark Crown Court is scheduled to conclude on December 11, 2026.
When do hearings begin?
Hearings are set to begin on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
