Russell Brand rape trial begins with jury selection

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 08:00 · Archive

Comedian Russell Brand appeared in court on Monday for the start of his trial over allegations of rape and sexual assault against six women.

Russell Brand appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Monday as his trial over charges of rape and sexual assault against six women got under way. The 51-year-old comedian and podcaster denies all charges. He faces three counts of rape, three charges of sexual assault and one allegation of indecent assault.

The allegations span from 1999 to 2009. Among the specific accusations, Brand is alleged to have raped a woman in a hotel room at a Labour Party conference in Bournemouth, grabbed a television worker's breasts and forced her into a sex act in a toilet, and kissed and groped a radio station worker.

Jury selection began on Monday morning. The trial could last up to ten weeks. Brand, who was supported by his wife Laura Gallacher, was Essex-born and became one of Britain's best-known comedians in the 2000s after starting out as a stand-up performer. His career took off when he was picked to front Big Brother spin-off shows by Channel 4, and he went on to present major awards shows and host his own radio programme.

How it is being reported

• Russell Brand to face jury as high-profile rape and sexual assault trial beginsThe comedian and podcaster faces a raft of allegations from six womenThe Independent · 12 Oct, 07:45
• Russell Brand due in court today for rape and sex assault trialBrand denies all charges – the allegations span from 1999 to 2009 (Picture: PA) Russell Brand is set to appear in court on Monday for the start of his trial over charges of rape and sexual assault against six women. The 51-year-old, who denies all charges, is accused of groping women and forcing…Metro · 12 Oct, 06:17

In this story: Russell Brand · Southwark Crown Court · Laura Gallacher · Essex · Bournemouth · Channel 4 · BBC Radio 2 · Labour Party

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem