RUSSELL BRAND IN COURT: RAPE DENIAL AS 2026 TRIAL SET

Russell Brand has formally entered pleas of not guilty to a series of serious sexual offences alleged by four women, during a brief but closely scrutinised hearing at Southwark Crown Court this morning. The 48-year-old comedian and podcaster, now based in the United States, is accused of rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault in connection with alleged incidents said to have occurred between 1999 and 2005, during a period in which Brand’s public profile was steadily rising across the British media landscape.

The allegations span a six-year timeframe and include accusations involving women said to have encountered Brand during both political and entertainment industry events. Chief among them is an allegation of rape said to have taken place in 1999, shortly after the Labour Party conference in Bournemouth.

The complainant in that matter alleges she met Brand at a theatrical event following the conference, and that he later raped her in a hotel. A further charge relates to a second woman, reportedly working in television at the time, who alleges that in 2004, after meeting Brand in a Soho bar, he groped her breasts, dragged her into a toilet and forced her to perform a sex act.

A third complainant states that she was indecently assaulted in 2001 when Brand allegedly attempted to pull her into a male lavatory at a television station, grabbing her arm without consent. The final set of allegations are said to have taken place between 2004 and 2005 during Brand’s time as a presenter on Big Brother’s Big Mouth, a spin-off show aired on Channel 4. In that instance, Brand is accused of sexually assaulting a woman employed at a radio station.

Arriving shortly before 10am in a black Mercedes Benz, Brand was photographed and filmed by a significant media presence as he entered the court building. Dressed in an open black and white pinstripe shirt, wearing multiple pendants including two crosses, and clutching a hardback prayer book titled The Valley of Vision, he made no statement or acknowledgment of the journalists and photographers calling his name as he walked past them. Inside court, he appeared composed and silent, standing in the dock flanked by two security officers.

Represented by solicitor Oliver Schneider-Sikorsky, who previously defended Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey in a high-profile sex assault trial in 2023, Brand confirmed his identity before the charges were read aloud. Hands clasped behind his back, he responded “not guilty” clearly and audibly to each of the indictments. Judge Tony Baumgartner presided over the hearing, taking the opportunity to remind the press and public that the four complainants are entitled to automatic lifelong anonymity under UK law as alleged victims of sexual offences.

The court was informed that Brand’s trial is scheduled to begin on 3 June 2026, and is expected to last between four and five weeks. Several of the alleged victims are expected to give evidence from behind screens. Judge Baumgartner issued a formal reminder to Brand that attendance at his trial is compulsory, and that failure to appear could result in his remand into custody or potential further legal consequences.

Brand remains on court bail, subject to conditions requiring him to provide both UK and US residential addresses, and to notify the court of any future changes to his place of residence. After the ten-minute hearing concluded, Brand retrieved his sunglasses and left the dock without comment. He walked past the assembled press gallery, maintaining silence as members of the public called out to him, including one who asked, “Russell, what do you think of the court case?”

Brand exited the court around 30 minutes later, again saying nothing as he re-entered the waiting vehicle. The charges he now faces follow an extensive joint investigation by The Sunday Times and Channel 4 Dispatches, aired in September 2023. That broadcast and article featured multiple women making allegations of rape, sexual assault and coercive behaviour—claims which Brand denied at the time. In a statement released to his 11.3 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), Brand said, “I was never a rapist.”

Once regarded as one of Channel 4’s most bankable comedy performers, Brand has in more recent years transitioned into the world of online commentary, gaining significant followings on platforms such as Rumble. His recent reinvention has included a public conversion to Christianity and a widely circulated video showing his baptism in the River Thames, officiated by TV adventurer Bear Grylls.

Brand’s case now enters the long procedural runway towards trial, with legal arguments and case management to continue over the coming months. No further comments were made by his legal representatives today, and no public statement has been issued by Brand or his team following the hearing.

Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.