Russell Brand accuser said alleged rape 'really hurt', court hears
During the trial of Russell Brand, a witness testified that a complainant reported being raped by the comedian in 2009. Brand has pleaded not guilty to seven charges involving six women.
Why it matters
The trial involves high-profile allegations of sexual assault, drawing significant public and legal attention to the conduct of public figures.
Image source, Getty Images By Sima Kotecha , Senior UK correspondent at Southwark Crown Court and Helen Bushby , Culture reporter Published 22 October 2026, 12:00 BST Updated 6 hours ago Warning - this report contains graphic content
The friend of a woman claiming to have been raped by Russell Brand told a jury the complainant had told her after the alleged attack that it had "really, really hurt".
The witness who spoke via video link at his trial said she had attended the Hammersmith Apollo theatre in London with the alleged victim in 2009, where they had been invited to the defendant's dressing room after his comedy show.
Statements from the woman's parents were also heard in court, saying their daughter had told them about the alleged attack, and that she had been "very worried about HIV".
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