Russell Brand denies rape and sexual assault charges while giving evidence at trial

Russell Brand has denied all seven charges at his trial and told jurors that sexual consent is “fundamental” and “more important than sex itself”. The 51-year-old former comedian is accused of three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault involving six women. The allegations span a 10-year period from 1999 to 2009.

Brand gave evidence at Southwark Crown Court as the defence case began, responding with repeated denials when his barrister, Ian Winter KC, took him through the indictment. Brand said he had been “comfortable” allowing his fame and success to facilitate sexual access, which he accepted was wrong. He described his past conduct as reckless and said he had spent much of his life pursuing consensual sexual relationships.

He maintained, however, that he had not committed the offences alleged. He told the court that consent was an ongoing process and could be withdrawn at any point. During cross-examination, prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC questioned whether he had cared whether women wanted sex with him and challenged him over alleged inconsistencies in earlier and current accounts.

Brand acknowledged that some details in his recollection had changed. He said the events and the allegations had been a deeply traumatic episode and that he had focused on them at the expense of his marriage, children and health. The prosecution questioned him about specific allegations, including claims concerning a hotel room, a home, a bar toilet and media workplaces; Brand denied the charges.

In one area of evidence, Brand admitted saving the number of a woman who alleges anal rape with the letter “T” and two asterisks. He said the letter denoted casual sexual partners and the asterisks marked a memorable encounter. He denied that the notation established the conduct alleged by the woman.

Brand also described the impact of media reports published in 2023. He said they had damaged his relationships and claimed he had been prevented from visiting his son during the child’s open-heart surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital. He said he had not persuaded any relevant friend or acquaintance to testify for him.

The trial continues. Brand denies every charge, and the reports supplied contain allegations and courtroom claims rather than a verdict.