Crime & Justice
Prosecution opens Russell Brand rape trial, portraying him as a ruthless predator
October 14, 2026 at 03:01 PM
3 reports
CNCNN
UK prosecution labels Russell Brand a ruthless sexual predator at opening of his sex assault trial
(opens the publisher’s site)
TGThe Guardian
Russell Brand was ruthless, calculated and manipulative sexual predator, court told
(opens the publisher’s site)
BNBBC News
Russell Brand was a 'sexual predator', says prosecution as rape trial begins
(opens the publisher’s site)The prosecution opened Russell Brand's sexual assault trial at Southwark Crown Court in London on Wednesday, describing the comedian as a sexual predator.
- Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC told the jury that Brand was "ruthless," "calculating" and "manipulative" toward the six women he is accused of assaulting.
- Brand, 51, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault.
- The alleged offenses span 1999 to 2009 and occurred in a hotel room, workplaces, a bar toilet cubicle and his home.
- Brand denies the charges, telling police he never engaged in nonconsensual sexual activity, and said in court he felt "concerned but hopeful."