Russell Brand Pleads Not Guilty to Rape and Sexual Assault Charges in London Court

British comedian, actor, and controversial social media personality Russell Brand has pleaded not guilty to a series of serious sexual assault and rape charges during a formal appearance at Southwark Crown Court on Friday. The 49-year-old, facing five counts including rape, oral rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault, is now set to stand trial on June 3, 2026.

Dressed in a black blazer and unbuttoned striped shirt, Brand appeared composed as he entered the courtroom, accompanied by defence lawyer Oliver Schneider-Sikorsky, notably the exact attorney who successfully defended actor Kevin Spacey in 2023.

The Charges and Legal Timeline

According to court documents, the charges stem from alleged incidents involving four separate women between 1999 and 2005. These include claims of Russell Brand’s indecent assault in 2001 and 2004, and a rape allegation dating back over two decades. In one particularly disturbing account, Russell Brand is accused of dragging a woman toward a male restroom, while another alleges non-consensual groping.

The case follows an extensive investigation by London’s Metropolitan Police, launched after a joint exposé by The Sunday Times and Channel 4 in September 2023. The investigation triggered widespread media attention and a wave of public scrutiny for Brand, who has vehemently denied all allegations.

“I have never engaged in non-consensual activity,” Russell Brand said in a video posted to X (formerly Twitter) following the charges in April. “I am now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court and I’m incredibly grateful for that.”

What Happens Next

Russell Brand’s court case pre-trial review is scheduled for May 2026, with his conditional bail extended until the trial begins. The judge emphasised that Brand’s existing bail conditions will remain in effect, and the prosecution raised no objections.

Brand stood in court as the charges were formally read and offered a not guilty plea to each one. On leaving the courtroom, he reportedly thanked a staff member—another calculated display of calm amid mounting legal pressure.

From Stardom to Scandal

Once a rising star of British television and Hollywood, Brand is best known for his roles in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Get Him to the Greek”, as well as his short-lived marriage to pop superstar Katy Perry. He later married Laura Gallacher and has since fathered three children.

In recent years, Russell Brand has reinvented himself as a right-wing social media influencer, often posting about American politics, free speech, and media conspiracies. He has over 6 million YouTube subscribers and has described himself as a born-again Christian.

 

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Russell Brand over rape charges, previously acknowledged his history of promiscuity, but has repeatedly insisted that all relationships were “absolutely consensual.” Therefore, now he has pleads not guilty in court. 

As the trial approaches, Brand’s legal battle is poised to become one of the most closely watched celebrity court cases in recent UK history, blending the worlds of fame, accountability, and digital influence.