Russell Brand tells court allegations had devastating impact on him
Russell Brand has begun testifying in his sexual assault trial, describing the 'devastating' impact of 2023 allegations on his personal and professional life. Brand denied all charges of rape and sexual assault under oath.
Why it matters
The trial is a high-profile legal case involving serious criminal allegations against a public figure, raising questions about accountability and media influence.
Image source, Press Association By Sima Kotecha Senior UK correspondent , Reporting from Southwark Crown Court Published 12 minutes ago Russell Brand has said a documentary that made allegations about his behaviour had a "devastating" effect on him, and made friends and colleagues turn against him.
The entertainer has begun giving evidence as his defence case gets under way at his trial at Southwark Crown Court.
Brand, 51, is accused of three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one charge of attempted indecent assault.
The allegations, made by six female complainants, span a 10-year period between 1999 and 2009. He denies all the charges.
After the prosecution closed their case on Wednesday morning, Brand entered the witness box and took the oath as his evidence began.
Defence barrister Ian Winter KC began by taking Brand through the indictment, asking him if he had committed the offences.
Also covering this story
4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Russell Brand gives evidence in rape and sexual assault trial - latest updates
Russell Brand denies all charges as he testifies at his rape and sex assault trial
Russell Brand Trial: Star Takes the Stand and Tells Court No One Will Touch Him “With a Bargepole” - The Hollywood Reporter
Russell Brand Takes the Stand in Rape Trial and Reveals No One Agreed to Testify on His Behalf: ‘My Entire Life Has Been Consumed by These Allegations’ - Variety
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in