Russell Brand Rape Trial: Prosecutors Open Case Against 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' Star

Russell Brand took his place in court on Wednesday as prosecutors opened their case against the 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' star at his rape trial, which is set to run until December. Brand arrived at Southwark Crown Court in London wearing a black pinstripe suit, a buttoned shirt and a white tie, aware that today was the first […]

Russell Brand took the stand in court on Wednesday as the prosecution began its case against Forgetting star Sarah Marshall in a rape trial that runs until December.

Brand walked into London's Southwark Crown Court in a black pinstripe suit, button-down shirt and white tie, knowing today would be the first full day of evidence after the jury was sworn in on Tuesday. He was again accompanied by his wife Laura.

Brand faces seven charges, including three counts of sexual assault, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. The charges relate to accusations by six women spanning a decade from 1999 to 2009. Brand has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has consistently denied wrongdoing. Related Stories Brand Russell Rape Trial Begins in London Brand News Russell arrives at a London court for a pre-trial hearing ahead of the rape trial starting next week

Riel Karmy-Jones KC is the barrister, while Ian Winter is the brand advocate. Watch on Deadline

The jury, made up of eight men and four women, took their seats for the first time in Courtroom No. 3 at Southwark Crown Court. The judge, Mr Justice Benneton, whittled down the list of 50 people to be sworn in to the 12-member jury.

The judge dismissed people who had watched the Channel 4 documentary Russell Brand: In Plain Sight 2023 or read the investigation in The Times of London or The Sunday Times. He also asked prospective jurors to leave if they had worked for MTV, Channel 4 or Radio Capital.

During Monday's hearing, he said the people selected to serve on the grand jury "absolutely cannot do any research on Russell Brand," including Googling the comedian or looking him up on social media. He warned that this could prejudice the trial and was a criminal offence.

Brand starred in Despicable Me and Get Him to the Greek. Prior to his career in Hollywood, he was a regular on British TV and radio, hosting Big Brother's Big Mouth and Radio 2.

The actor and comedian, who was married to Katy Perry, has reinvented himself as a Christian convert who preaches about free speech and free thought at MAGA America.

The brand has continued to stream and post on its social media channels throughout the legal process. He spoke of feeling the presence of God as he entered the courthouse. He told Sky News on Wednesday: "Today, I feel happy. Of course I feel worried but I hope this process leads to good results for everyone involved." "This is my prayer."

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