Russell Brand's criminal trial opened on Monday at Southwark Crown Court. He faces three charges of rape, three of sexual assault and one of indecent assault, according to Deadline, Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. He has pleaded not guilty to all of them and has consistently denied wrongdoing.
Brand arrived with his wife, Laura, whom Variety identifies as Laura Gallacher and says he married in 2017. Deadline reported that he held her hand as he walked in. Outlets differed slightly on his appearance: Deadline described a gray suit, white open-necked shirt and patterned cravat, while Variety and The Hollywood Reporter noted sunglasses. The Hollywood Reporter said media were out in force around the court. Variety reported that Brand is on bail for the duration.
The charges and the timeline
The allegations come from six women and cover the period from 1999 to 2009. Variety reported that the Crown Prosecution Service brought the charges in two stages, in April and December of last year. The April charges relate to four women and conduct said to have occurred between 1999 and 2005. The December charges concern two more women and events said to have taken place in 2009.
The case grew out of a 2023 joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4's "Dispatches," which published allegations of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse. Brand strongly denied them. The Metropolitan Police then opened an inquiry. When the first charges were announced, the CPS's chief crown prosecutor, Jaswant Narwal, said the evidence had been carefully reviewed and that Brand should be charged. The CPS also reminded the public that he has a right to a fair trial.
In a video posted last year, Brand rejected the accusations, saying: "I've never engaged in nonconsensual activity. I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes." The Hollywood Reporter carried the statement.
What happens next
Monday was expected to be given over to jury selection and administrative matters. Twelve jurors will decide the outcome, Variety reported. The trial is being overseen by Mr Justice Bennathan, according to Deadline.
The sources differ on when the prosecution will begin. Deadline said the CPS could start making its case from Tuesday at the earliest. Variety said opening arguments from both prosecution and defense were tentatively set for Wednesday. Estimates of length vary in wording but are close: Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter cited up to 10 weeks, and Variety said up to two months.
Brand rose to prominence as a presenter of "Big Brother's Big Mouth" and starred in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "Get Him to the Greek." Variety noted that he has since moved into podcasting and online influencing, and Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter described his turn to Christianity. The trial will now test the allegations in open court, and the jury's verdict will determine the outcome.
Reporting sources: Deadline, “Russell Brand Rape Trial Gets Underway In London” · Variety, “Russell Brand’s Criminal Trial Begins in London as He Faces Rape and Sexual Assault Charges” · The Hollywood Reporter, “Russell Brand Arrives at London Court for Start of Rape Trial”.