Channel 4 documentary and journalists 'poisoned the well' against Russell Brand, court hears
Defense lawyers for Russell Brand argued in court that media coverage 'poisoned the well' by encouraging criminal allegations against him years after the alleged events. The defense maintains that Brand's past behavior was consensual and lawful.
Why it matters
This case highlights the tension between media influence, public allegations, and the legal standards required for criminal prosecution.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Helena Wilkinson and Guy Lambert BBC News, Southwark Crown Court Press Association Journalists "poisoned the well of justice" by prompting complainants to come forward and make criminal allegations against Russell Brand, jurors have heard.
In his closing speech on Monday, Ian Winter KC, Brand's defence barrister, said a Channel 4 documentary and stories in the Times and Sunday Times that made allegations about Brand in 2023 "caused people who had not previously considered for it to be appropriate to bring criminal allegations against him, to do so, and very many years after."
Brand faces seven counts; three counts of rape, three charges of sexual assault and one allegation of attempted indecent assault.
On Monday at Southwark Crown Court, Winter told jurors that "living a highly promiscuous life is entirely lawful".
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Channel 4 documentary and journalists 'poisoned the well' against Russell Brand, court hears
Russell Brand Is Not ‘Some Kind of Psychopath Who Rapes People and Thinks It’s Normal,’ Defense Lawyer Says in Closing Argument
Russell Brand is not a ‘psychopath who rapes people and thinks it’s normal’, court told
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