Criminal Trial of Russell Brand Begins in London on Rape and Sexual Assault Charges

Russell Brand arrived at Southwark Crown Court in London to begin his criminal trial. The former actor and comedian faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. The charges were brought by the Crown Prosecution Service (similar to the D.A.) in […]

Russell Brand arrived at London's Southwark Crown Court to begin his criminal trial.

This former actor and comedian has been accused of three counts of sexual assault, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault.

The charges were brought by the British Prosecution Service (similar to the D.A) in April and December last year. Related Stories Quentin Tarantino's Poppin' Cavalier, starring Sacha Baron Cohen, opens in the West End in March.

April's allegations are said to have been made between 1999 and 2005 and involved four women. Additional charges filed in December relate to two other women and are said to have taken place in 2009. Popular in Variety

The allegations were made following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police. Brand has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The trial, which will be decided by 12 jurors, could last up to two months. The brand as a whole is guaranteed.

Jury selection is expected to be the opening day of the trial, with opening arguments from the prosecution and defense tentatively scheduled for Wednesday.

In the mid-2000s, Brand was best known as a comedian and actor, presenting shows like Big Brother Big Mouth and starring in movies like Take Her to the Greek and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. She has since turned to podcasting and online influence.

In 2023, Brand was the subject of a joint investigation by The Sunday Times of London and the Channel 4 documentary Dispatches, which published allegations of sexual assault, rape and emotional abuse against him. The brand strongly denied the allegations.

Following the investigation, the Metropolitan Police launched its own investigation, which led to charges last year.

CPS chief prosecutor Jaswant Narwal said at the time the charges were first laid: "We reviewed the evidence following a police investigation into the allegations made after an investigation was broadcast by Channel 4, The Sunday Times and The Times in September 2023. "We have come to the conclusion that Russell Brand should be charged with offenses including sexual assault, sexual assault and indecent assault."

"The Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active and the accused has the right to a fair trial."