Russell Brand, the UK comedian and podcaster, goes on trial at Southwark Crown Court in London facing allegations of rape and sexual assault brought by six women. All charges relate to conduct alleged to have occurred between 1999 and 2009. Brand, 51, denies the allegations and is on bail.
Reporting across outlets says the case begins with jury selection, with the trial potentially lasting up to 10 weeks. One outlet notes the charges include three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one allegation of indecent assault. Several accounts also reference that earlier pre-trial hearings heard detailed allegations involving incidents described as taking place across different locations, including claims connected to a hotel setting and a role at a radio or TV workplace.
While coverage varies in emphasis—some focusing on the timeline of accusations and others on the procedural start of the trial—sources are consistent that the matter is being heard in London, that Brand pleads not guilty, and that the court process is underway to select jurors before evidence is presented.
