Russell Brand pleads not guilty to charges of rape and sexual assault

Warning: This article contains discussion of rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment which some readers may find distressing.

Russell Brand has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and sexual assault.

The actor arrived at Southwark Crown Court in London this morning (30 May) after charges came following an investigation by Channel 4 and the Sunday Times in 2023. A trial has now been fixed for 3 June 2026 and is expected to last four to five weeks.

Brand appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court earlier this month where he heard details of the allegations made against him. The 49-year-old was charged by post in April with one count each of rape, indecent assault and oral rape, as well as two counts of sexual assault.

He was accused of raping a woman in a hotel room while she was attending a Labour Party conference and orally raping a TV worker after grabbing her breasts and dragging her into a toilet.

Russell Brand arrived at Southwark Crown Court this morning (Yui Mok/PA Wire)

A radio station worker also alleges Brand grabbed her by the face, pushed her against a wall and kissed her before groping her breasts and buttocks.

And another alleged victim accuses the Arthur actor of indecent assault after he allegedly grabbed her forearm and attempted to drag her into a male toilet.

The allegations against him are said to have taken place against four women between 1999 and 2005.

In court today, he stood stock-still in the dock as he looked straight ahead and loudly responded 'not guilty' as each charge was read to him.

Brand previously said on X that he welcomed the opportunity to prove his innocence.

He previously told his followers he welcomed the opportunity to prove his innocence (X/@rustyrockets)

Denying the charges in a video, he said to his millions of followers: "I've always told you guys that when I was young and single, before I had my wife and family were just about a shot over there, my beautiful children, I was a fool man. I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord. I was a drug addict, a sex addict and an imbecile, but what I never was was a rapist. I've never engaged in non-consensual activity.

"I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes. I want to thank all of you for your continuing support."

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact The Survivors Trust for free on 08088 010 818, available 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm on Fridays, 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays and 6pm-8pm on Sundays.