Russell Brand pleads not guilty to rape and sexual assault charges

Russell Brand pleads not guilty to rape and sexual assault charges

Russell Brand has entered not guilty pleas to two additional charges involving rape and sexual assault. The 50-year-old entertainer appeared at Southwark Crown Court in London on Tuesday to formally respond to these new allegations.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service, the alleged incidents occurred in London in 2009 and involve two women. These charges are separate from earlier accusations against Brand, to which he has already pleaded not guilty. Those previous claims include two counts of rape, one of indecent assault, and two sexual assault charges related to alleged incidents from 1999 to 2005 involving four different women in London and Bournemouth.

A trial for the initial charges has been set for June. Meanwhile, a hearing will determine whether the recent allegations should be added to the existing case. Brand’s legal representative has requested additional time to address the new claims. Recorder Andrew Baumgartner announced that a case management hearing would take place in March.

At Tuesday’s court appearance, Brand confirmed his identity and pleaded not guilty to the latest accusations. Notably, he wore a leopard print shirt with some buttons undone and carried a fedora hat. He also brought a Bible into court, with several pages marked. Brand was bailed to return to Southwark Crown Court on a date yet to be scheduled. The investigation into these allegations began following reports published in 2023 by the Sunday Times, the Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches. Brand, originally from Essex, gained prominence as a stand-up comedian before becoming widely known as a presenter on TV shows such as Big Brother’s Big Mouth and for his BBC radio work. He later transitioned into a Hollywood career, with roles in films like Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him To The Greek

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