Actor and comedian Russell Brand appeared in a London court on Friday, pleading not guilty to multiple charges of rape and sexual assault involving four women over two decades ago. The 50-year-old, who faces two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one charge of indecent assault, is scheduled for trial on June 3, 2026, with proceedings expected to last four to five weeks.
Prosecutors allege that the incidents occurred between 1999 and 2005, with locations including the seaside town of Bournemouth and various spots in London. Brand arrived at court with a casual appearance, wearing sunglasses and carrying a copy of The Valley of Vision, a compilation of Puritan prayers.
In recent years, Brand, famous for his edgy stand-up and tumultuous past with addiction, has distanced himself from mainstream media, amassing a significant online following through videos that blend themes of wellness, conspiracy theories, and religion. On social media, he expressed gratitude for his life transformation, stating, "Jesus, thank you for saving my life," alongside a prayer video.
Brand has publicly welcomed the opportunity to contest the allegations and maintains his innocence, asserting, "I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity." He described himself in a prior video as someone who had struggled with addiction but denied ever being a rapist.
The allegations against him are serious. One woman claims he raped her in a hotel room in Bournemouth during a 1999 Labour Party conference after they met at one of his performances. Another woman accused him of attempting to drag her into a men’s bathroom at a television station in London in 2001. A third accuser, a television employee, recounted an incident where Brand allegedly groped her and forced her to perform oral sex in 2004. The final accuser, who worked at a radio station, alleges Brand physically assaulted her in a similar manner during the period he worked on a Big Brother spin-off.
Due to legal protections, the identities of the victims cannot be disclosed, and the Associated Press refrains from naming victims of alleged sexual violence. As Brand prepares for his upcoming trial, public attention will likely remain focused on the unfolding saga.