Russell Brand pleads not guilty to rape and sexual assault charges

Comedian, actor, and former TV presenter Russell Brand appeared at Southwark Crown Court, London, on Friday for five allegations made against him.

Russell, for the first time, denied all five charges, including rape, indecent assault, oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault.

Earlier this month, the comedian first appeared in court for the hearing after the U.K.’s Crown Prosecution Service authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge a man identified as 49-year-old Brand, following an investigation by detectives.

During his Friday appearance at Southwark Crown Court, the accused abuser pleaded not guilty to all five charges.

The Despicable Me cast member was charged with rape and sexual crimes allegedly committed between 1999 and 2005.

The stand-up performer was accused of raping a woman in the Bournemouth area and assaulting other women in Westminster, London.

In 2001, he allegedly grabbed a woman's arm to drag her towards the men’s toilet, resulting in a charge of indecent assault. He also allegedly sexually assaulted another woman by kissing and groping her in 2004 and 2005.

In the spring of 2024, Russell publicly stated that he had turned to Christianity and been baptised following the release of formal charges against him.

“I’ve never engaged in nonconsensual activity. I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes,” Russell said in a social media video.

However, on Friday, May 30, as he arrived at court, the political commentator stepped into the building wearing a dark suit and an unbuttoned shirt.

He didn’t stop or respond to reporters and media outside, and looked straight ahead.

The podcast host stood in the glass dock, confirmed his name, and pleaded “not guilty” to each charge before putting his sunglasses back on and leaving, thanking the ushers as he exited.

Russell Brand’s next trial is scheduled for June 3, 2026.

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