Russell Brand Pleads Not Guilty to Two Additional Charges of Rape and Sexual Assault
A trial date has been set for June 2026 as the British actor and comedian faces a total of seven charges spanning from 1999 to 2009.
London – Russell Brand has entered a plea of not guilty to two new charges of rape and sexual assault, adding to a series of allegations he already faces. The 50-year-old entertainer appeared in court via video link from the United States on February 11, 2025, for a brief six-minute hearing.
Court Appearances and Bail
Brand appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court via video link, where he confirmed his name and date of birth. He was granted bail and is scheduled to appear at Southwark Crown Court on February 17, 2025.
New Charges
The two new charges, brought by London's Metropolitan Police in December 2024, include:
- One count of rape
- One count of sexual assault
According to court documents, these alleged offenses occurred in London in 2009 and involve two women. Brand pleaded not guilty to these charges at Southwark Crown Court.
Previous Charges and Pleas
Brand was initially charged in 2024 with five offenses:
- Two counts of rape
- One count of indecent assault
- Two counts of sexual assault
These charges relate to four women for alleged incidents between 1999 and 2005. Brand pleaded not guilty to these five charges in May 2025 at Southwark Crown Court.
Trial Schedule
A trial date for the seven charges has been set for June 3, 2026. The charges include two counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, one count of indecent assault, and one count of rape from the new charges. The trial is expected to last up to eight weeks.
A hearing is scheduled to determine whether the new allegations will be combined with the existing case. Brand's lawyer has indicated that additional time is required for his client to address the new offenses.
Public Statements
In an interview on The Megyn Kelly Show, Brand acknowledged having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old when he was 30 years old. He described his actions as "exploitative" and stated that his fame created a power differential. He said his past sexual conduct was selfish and that he did not consider how it affected others.
"My fame created a power differential. My past sexual conduct was selfish." — Russell Brand on The Megyn Kelly Show
Brand has consistently denied all allegations against him, asserting that all his relationships were consensual. Outside the court, he stated he felt "blessed."
Background
Brand, 50, is known for his past work as a radio presenter for the BBC and roles in films including "Get Him to the Greek" and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." He was previously married to American singer Katy Perry, with their divorce finalized in 2012.
In recent years, Brand has focused on online content regarding US politics and free speech. He has publicly mentioned becoming a Christian in 2024.
Investigation
The Metropolitan Police investigation into Brand began after receiving multiple allegations following a 2023 exposé by Channel 4's "Dispatches" documentary series and The Sunday Times. The exposé accused Brand of "rape, sexual assaults, and emotional abuse."
Chief Inspector Tariq Farooqi has stated that the investigation remains ongoing.