Russell Brand denies rape and sexual assault charges at London trial
Comedian faces seven allegations spanning a decade, prosecutor describes him as a 'predator'
Comedian Russell Brand is on trial at Southwark Crown Court accused of attacking six women between 1999 and 2009. The prosecution stated that Brand is a "ruthless, calculated and manipulative" predator who raped and groped women to satisfy his sexual appetite.
Opening the case on Wednesday, prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC told jurors that Brand, who denies all charges, used humour and his "charm" in a constant pursuit of sex. Brand has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one allegation of indecent assault.
Allegations of abuse
The alleged offending took place in a number of locations, including a hotel room, workplaces, a toilet cubicle in a bar, and Brand's home address. Ms Karmy-Jones said that some women protested or said no, while others had no opportunity to react. The prosecution stated that Brand was not deterred by any protests, and his desire for sexual contact was "indiscriminate and voracious."
Jurors heard that one alleged victim claims Brand told her "don’t be a spoilsport" as she tried to stop him during an alleged rape. The prosecutor added that to the defendant, women were simply a "means to an end."
Ms Karmy-Jones described Brand as someone who could be "nice, funny, undoubtedly; charming, likeable even" when he wanted something, but then "demanding, entitled, a flirt with a huge sexual appetite." She stated that after alleged incidents, Brand would appear indifferent and untroubled by what had occurred.
Brand's career and arrival at court
The allegations against Brand occurred as his public profile was rising, progressing from stand-up comedy gigs to television presenter, actor, and Hollywood movie star. He has faced allegations of rape after a show at the 1999 Labour Party conference, and alleged sexual assaults at a radio station and in a Soho bar.
Brand, who now lives in Florida, was accompanied to the central London court by his wife, Laura Gallacher. As he arrived, he told reporters: "Today I feel blessed, I feel of course concerned, but hopeful that this process will lead to good outcomes for everybody involved. That’s my prayer."
The trial continues.
Questions this report answers
01What charges does Russell Brand face?
Russell Brand faces seven charges. These include three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one allegation of indecent assault. The alleged incidents are said to have occurred between 1999 and 2009.
02Where is Russell Brand's trial taking place?
The trial is taking place at Southwark Crown Court in central London. Russell Brand arrived at the court accompanied by his wife, Laura Gallacher, for the proceedings.
03What has the prosecution said about Russell Brand?
The prosecutor, Riel Karmy-Jones KC, described Russell Brand as a "ruthless, calculated and manipulative" predator. She told the court that he used humour and charm to pursue sex and treated women as a "means to an end."
04What locations are mentioned in the allegations?
The alleged incidents are said to have taken place in various locations. These include a hotel room, workplaces, a toilet cubicle in a bar, and Russell Brand's home address.
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