Russell Brand Denies Sexual Offenses as Defense Opens in London

Russell Brand has denied allegations of rape and sexual assault involving six women during proceedings at Southwark Crown Court in London, where his defense began presenting evidence on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The 51-year-old entertainer faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault relating to alleged incidents between 1999 and 2009.

Brand entered the witness box after prosecutors concluded nearly two weeks of evidence. According to the BBC, he rejected each alleged offense when questioned by his defense barrister, Ian Winter KC, responding emphatically to the jury.

The Guardian reported that Judge Mr Justice Bennathan had reduced an indecent assault charge to attempted indecent assault. The allegation concerns a claim that Brand grabbed a female MTV worker by the arm and attempted to drag her into a toilet. The judge told jurors there was insufficient evidence to support the original charge of indecent assault.

Brand also discussed the personal consequences of allegations publicized in a 2023 documentary and a newspaper investigation. Asked about the documentary's effect on his relationships with friends and colleagues, he described the impact in court.

"It was devastating." Brand said.

Winter asked whether Brand had persuaded any friends or acquaintances who could support his defense to testify. Brand said he had been unable to secure such witnesses.

"I have not." Brand said.

Winter then asked whether those people would associate with him at all, to which Brand responded negatively.

"Will they touch you with a bargepole?" Winter asked.

"No." Brand replied.

Brand also told the court that he had been prevented from staying with his son at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London while the child underwent open-heart surgery, following the publication of allegations against him.

"Due to material that had been published in the public eye they had to bar my attendance and presence." Brand said.

He explained that the hospital had communicated the decision to him and his wife, Laura Brand, without clearly identifying the legal basis.

"They were unclear about what legal reason there was but that was the reason they gave to my wife Laura and I." Brand said.

Describing how the proceedings had affected his life, Brand told the court that the allegations had dominated his attention. He also said he had devoted substantial time to addressing the claims.

"My entire life has been consumed by these allegations." Brand said.

During questioning about the first complainant, who alleges that he raped her at the Labour Party conference in Bournemouth in 1999, Brand confirmed that he remembered meeting her. He characterized her as talkative and interesting before rejecting her allegation.

"No." Brand said.

Brand's evidence also addressed his past sexual relationships and the importance he places on consent. A statement he gave to police in November 2023 was read to the court by prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones, according to The Guardian. Brand had been interviewed by police four times, in November and December 2023, January 2024 and July 2025.

In the statement, Brand acknowledged having had numerous sexual encounters while maintaining that his conduct had been consensual.

"As I have repeatedly stated publicly and written about extensively, I led a very promiscuous life in the past, which I have spent years openly denouncing." Brand said in his police statement.

He also categorically denied engaging in sexual activity without consent.

"I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity." Brand said.

During his testimony, Brand was asked directly about his understanding of consent and described it as central to sexual relationships.

"Consent is fundamental, essential, necessary and indeed many ways more important that sex itself." Brand said.

Brand denies all seven charges. The trial continues at Southwark Crown Court, with the defense presenting its case after the prosecution completed its evidence.