Russell Brand denies rape claims, citing 'promiscuous' lifestyle

Russell Brand has told police his "very promiscuous" celebrity lifestyle, which involved kissing fans and numerous sexual encounters, has been "unfavourably reframed" into allegations of rape and sexual assault. The comedian, now 51, was questioned by officers on four separate occasions between November 2023 and July 2025. In each interview, he maintained that he has "never engaged in any non-consensual sexual activity."

Brand is currently on trial facing accusations of three counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault. An allegation of indecent assault was amended to attempted indecent assault on Tuesday. The court has heard evidence from six women who allege sexual misconduct by Brand between 1999 and 2009.

Brand's defence to police

In statements provided to detectives, Brand described a past life of kissing hundreds of fans, engaging in sex in toilets, and ending sexual encounters shortly after they concluded. He stated, "I led a very promiscuous life in the past, which I have spent years openly denouncing." He further claimed that allegations first made public in 2023, following an investigation by The Times, Sunday Times, and Channel 4, were "false." Brand suggested that media and police invitations for further allegations resulted in "further encounters being invented or reimagined."

During a police interview in December 2023, Brand stated he did not recall the accusers but acknowledged it was "entirely possible" he had encountered them and engaged in consensual activity that had since been "reimagined." He characterised his interactions with fans as "friendly, consensual and warm," involving frequent physical contact. He noted that his public actions, often photographed or recorded, were aware of tabloid attention. Brand also admitted to making provocative jokes and comments and occasionally asking partners in casual sexual encounters to leave shortly after completion.

Addressing a specific allegation of sexual assault and rape at a Soho bar party, Brand stated it was "likely" he was present but insisted he would not have touched a woman's breasts unless it was consensual. He denied forcing anyone into a toilet or performing non-consensual oral sex, reiterating his stance of never engaging in non-consensual sexual activity.

Allegations detailed in court

Brand denies all charges. His barrister, Ian Winter KC, has informed the court that Brand disputes any non-consensual sex and argues that some encounters have been "reimagined" since the initial accusations in 2023. The trial continues.

The court has heard allegations including a woman claiming Brand raped her in a hotel room in Bournemouth in 1999, prior to his rise to fame. Another allegation involves an MTV worker who claims Brand attempted to drag her into a toilet at work. Further accusations include Brand groping an MTV worker's breasts in a Soho bar and forcing oral sex, groping a radio worker in 2005 in front of his entourage, and sexually assaulting a Channel 4 staffer in 2009. He is also accused of raping a 21-year-old fan in 2009 after meeting her at a stand-up performance.