Prosecutor labels Russell Brand a sexual predator as rape trial begins in London

A rape and sexual assault trial against comedian Russell Brand opened Wednesday at Southwark Crown Court in London. The prosecution alleges Brand assaulted six women over a ten-year period, with incidents said to have occurred in a hotel room, workplaces, a bar toilet cubicle and at his home. Brand, 51, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault and remains on bail.

"He was ruthless, he was calculating, he was manipulative. And, the prosecution say, he was a sexual predator," prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones told the jury, adding that Brand’s desire for sexual contact was "indiscriminate and voracious" and that "women were simply a means to an end."

Brand arrived at the court amid a crowd of photographers and video journalists. He expressed concern about the proceedings but said he was hopeful for a positive outcome.

"I feel, of course, concerned but hopeful that this process will lead to good outcomes for everybody involved. That's my prayer."

The case follows Brand’s earlier career as a television host and actor, and his recent shift to online content focused on wellness and spirituality after relocating to Florida. British law protects the identities of alleged victims, and the Associated Press does not name them.