Russell Brand Testifies in London Rape Trial, Citing Lack of Supporting Witnesses
The comedian denied all seven charges and stated that no one agreed to testify on his behalf as the defense began its case.
By Iris Bennett ·
Russell Brand denied all accusations against him during his criminal trial in London on Wednesday.
The trial began in 2026 with the prosecution presenting its case over two weeks. Prosecution counsel Riel Karmy-Jones KC described Brand as ruthless and calculated, alleging offenses between 1999 and 2009. The allegations involve six women, all of whom have lifelong anonymity under U.K. law. Specific claims include an incident at the 1999 Labour Party conference in Bournemouth, a 2001 event at MTV, a 2004 party in Soho, a 2004 encounter at Capital Radio, and two incidents in 2009 involving a massage request and alleged anal rape.
Judge Mr Justice Bennathan reduced one of the seven charges from indecent assault to attempted indecent assault on Tuesday. The judge cited insufficient evidence regarding the 2001 MTV employee incident. Brand has pleaded not guilty to all remaining charges, which include three counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
Defense lawyer Ian Winter KC called Brand to the stand as the first witness for the defense. Winter asked Brand to confirm he did not commit the alleged offenses, and Brand answered no to each question. Brand discussed his rise to fame, noting that his 2010 marriage to Katy Perry brought staggering fame. He revealed that no person with relevant information agreed to testify for his defense. Brand told Southwark Crown Court that his entire life has been consumed by these allegations and that he has devoted himself to these matters.
Outside the court on Wednesday, Brand told journalists via Sky News that he was grateful for a day dedicated to truth and justice. He stated that the legal system accommodates such processes appropriately.
The trial is scheduled to continue on Thursday.
Source: Variety
