Russell Brand accused of Soho bar assault

Russell Brand is accused of groping a woman's breasts and forcing her into a sex act in a Soho bar in 2004, Southwark Crown Court heard. The former comedian and TV host, now 51, faces charges including three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one allegation of indecent assault. He denies all charges, stating that any sexual encounters were consensual.

During her recorded police interview, played to the court, the woman described meeting Brand at a 2004 birthday party. She stated that within a minute of starting a conversation, he sexually assaulted her. She told police Brand had a 'maniacal grin' and looked 'like a clown' after grabbing her breasts. She alleges he then dragged her into a toilet cubicle and, despite her protests, forced her to perform oral sex.

The accuser, who was in her 20s and working for MTV at the time, recalled Brand unzipping his trousers and attempting to force her into a sex act. She stated she pushed him away, saying she did not want to proceed, but he persisted, saying 'don’t be a spoilsport'. She told officers she 'froze' and felt compelled to perform the act. After the alleged assault, she said Brand casually suggested they swap numbers.

The woman also told police that after leaving the toilet, she was ushered into a car with Brand. She reported that he again exposed himself and invited her to perform a sex act, but she refused, and he accepted her refusal on that occasion. She is the third of Brand's accusers to give evidence in the trial.

She explained to police that media reports in 2023 concerning alleged sexual misconduct by Brand prompted her to come forward. She told an officer that seeing the reports made her 'relive it all'. Brand, who was a prominent Channel 4 personality in the 2000s, also faces separate allegations related to incidents at the Labour Party conference and MTV studios.

What happens next

The trial at Southwark Crown Court is ongoing. Further evidence is expected to be presented by both the prosecution and the defence.