Russell Brand's rape and sexual assault trial begins

Summarised from 4 outlets · 9 reports · Updated 13 Oct, 11:29 · Archive

Russell Brand's trial on rape and sexual assault charges involving six women has begun at Southwark Crown Court, with jury selection complete.

Russell Brand's trial on rape and sexual assault charges began at Southwark Crown Court. The 51-year-old comedian, actor and podcaster arrived on 13 October wearing a grey double-breasted suit and sunglasses, telling waiting reporters: 'Blessed, thank you very much.' He is accompanied by his wife, Laura Gallacher.

Brand faces three counts of rape, three charges of sexual assault and one allegation of indecent assault involving six women. The allegations span ten years from 1999 to 2009. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Mr Justice Bennathan oversaw jury selection, beginning with 50 prospective jurors. Six were excused after indicating they had seen a Channel 4 documentary or read a 2023 Times newspaper article about allegations against Brand. Twenty others were shortlisted and sent home to confirm their availability. The judge told the selected jury to ignore previous media coverage of Brand and the allegations. He said: 'Don't carry out any research. Heaven knows what's out there.'

Eight men and four women were chosen for the jury, with one reserve juror. The jury was dismissed until Wednesday morning when prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC will begin outlining the case.

At earlier hearings, the court heard allegations that Brand raped a woman in a hotel room during the Labour Party conference in Bournemouth, forced a television worker into a sex act in a toilet, and groped a radio station worker.

Brand began his career as a stand-up comedian and became famous in the early 2000s hosting Big Brother spin-offs on Channel 4. He presented the 2007 Brit Awards, Comic Relief and the MTV Music Video Awards, and hosted a BBC Radio 2 show. He later appeared in Hollywood films including Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Arthur and Rock of Ages. In recent years he has focused on podcasting and online content creation.

The trial is expected to last between six and nine weeks.

How it is being reported

• Jurors warned not to research as jury selected for Russell Brand rape trialA jury has been selected for the trial of Russell Brand on rape and sexual assault charges that span 10 years of his showbiz career.Brentwood Guardian · 13 Oct, 11:12
• Jurors warned not to research as jury selected for Russell Brand rape trialA jury has been selected for the trial of Russell Brand on rape and sexual assault charges that span 10 years of his showbiz career.Colchester Gazette · 13 Oct, 11:12
• Jurors warned not to research as jury selected for Russell Brand rape trialA jury has been selected for the trial of Russell Brand on rape and sexual assault charges that span 10 years of his showbiz career.Echo (Basildon) · 13 Oct, 11:12
• Sketches show Russell Brand in the dock as jury selection begins in rape trialRussell Brand’s rape and sexual assault trial begins at Southwark Crown Court, with jury selection under way. He denies charges involving six women.Colchester Gazette · 12 Oct, 15:40
• Sketches show Russell Brand in the dock as jury selection begins in rape trialRussell Brand’s rape and sexual assault trial begins at Southwark Crown Court, with jury selection under way. He denies charges involving six women.Echo (Basildon) · 12 Oct, 15:40
• Russell Brand arrives at court to begin rape and sexual assault trailRussell Brand arrives at Southwark Crown Court for trial over rape and sexual assault charges involving six women between 1999 and 2009.Colchester Gazette · 12 Oct, 09:28
• Russell Brand arrives at court to begin rape and sexual assault trailRussell Brand arrives at Southwark Crown Court for trial over rape and sexual assault charges involving six women between 1999 and 2009.Echo (Basildon) · 12 Oct, 09:28
• Russell Brand arrives at court to begin rape and sexual assault trailRussell Brand arrives at Southwark Crown Court for trial over rape and sexual assault charges involving six women between 1999 and 2009.Brentwood Guardian · 12 Oct, 09:28
• Update as Russell Brand to appear in court accused of rape and sexual assaultThe hearing is to due begin todayEssexLive · 12 Oct, 08:53

In this story: Russell Brand · Laura Gallacher · Southwark Crown Court · Mr Justice Bennathan · Riel Karmy-Jones KC · Channel 4 · Grays · Times

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