Russell Brand pleads not guilty to additional charges in London court

Russell Brand has pleaded not guilty to two further charges of rape and sexual assault during a brief hearing at Southwark Crown Court in London on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. 

The additional charges relate to alleged incidents involving two women in 2009, according to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Brand confirmed his identity in court and denied the fresh allegations brought against him, adding to an already expanding list of criminal charges. 

According to People, he was granted bail, with a further hearing set in the coming weeks to determine whether the new allegations will be joined with the existing case ahead of a June trial.

The new accusations come on top of five earlier counts, including two alleged rapes, one indecent assault and two alleged sexual assaults, linked to four women and said to have taken place between 1999 and 2005. 

Moreover, Brand has previously pleaded not guilty to these charges at earlier hearings, and a combined trial is scheduled to begin in June, expected to last several weeks.

Once a household name in British comedy and entertainment, Brand has in recent years cultivated a significant online following for his commentary on wellness, politics and religion. 

As per the outlet, he has publicly denied all allegations against him, and his legal team maintains his innocence as the case continues to unfold.