Defence Begins Presentation in Russell Brand Rape and Sexual Assault Trial
The defence started its case at Southwark Crown Court as the jury heard that an indecent assault charge was amended to attempted indecent assault.
The defence opened its case today at Southwark Crown Court in the trial of comedian Russell Brand, who faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault involving six women. The prosecution’s evidence phase concluded after nearly two weeks, and the jury will now consider the defence’s arguments.
Judge Mr Justice Bennathan informed jurors that the indecent assault charge had been revised to attempted indecent assault, relating to an allegation that Brand grabbed a female MTV employee by the arm and tried to pull her into a toilet. He said the evidence was insufficient to support the original indecent assault charge.
The court heard that Brand was interviewed by police on four occasions—in November and December 2023, January 2024 and July 2025. A pre-prepared statement he gave to police in November 2023 was read aloud by prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones.
"As I have repeatedly stated publicly and written about extensively, I led a very promiscuous life in the past, which I have spent years openly denouncing. I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity."
Brand, 51, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial is ongoing, and further updates are expected as proceedings continue.