Russell Brand denies rape and sexual assault charges at London trial

Actor and comedian Russell Brand is on trial in London facing seven charges, including rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault. The allegations, made by six women, cover a decade between 1999 and 2009. Brand denies all charges, asserting that any sexual contact was consensual.

Allegations of Assault

During the trial, one complainant told police, as shown in a 2023 video interview presented to the jury, that she "closed my eyes and tried not to be there" during an alleged rape. The incident reportedly took place at a birthday party in Soho in 2004. The woman stated that Brand grabbed her breasts during a conversation and subsequently took her to the toilets, where the alleged rape occurred. She described the experience as "swift" and leaving her "in disbelief and shock."

She recounted to officers that Brand had "literally just grabbed my boobs out of nowhere in the middle of the conversation" and that she remembered a "weird maniacal grin" before he allegedly pulled her into the toilets. She also stated, "I definitely said I don't want to do this."

Following the alleged assault, the woman stated that Brand turned to her and suggested they "swap numbers now," acting as if the encounter was normal. At the time of the alleged incident, the woman was in her 20s.

Trial Proceedings

Russell Brand, aged 51, has pleaded not guilty to all counts. The trial is ongoing and is expected to last for six weeks. This woman is the third complainant to give evidence to the jury, and the second to allege rape.