Russell Brand Testifies in London Trial, Says No Witnesses Will Support Him

Russell Brand stood in the witness box at Southwark Crown Court in London on Wednesday. He faced the jury for the first time in his trial for rape and sexual assault. The proceedings mark a shift from the prosecution phase to the defense case. Brand is accused of three counts of rape, three charges of sexual assault, and one count of attempted indecent assault. Six women have alleged offenses committed between 1999 and 2009. Justice Bennathan reduced the final charge from indecent assault to attempted indecent assault on Tuesday afternoon. Brand denies all criminal wrongdoing.

The defense team, led by barrister Ian Winter, began questioning Brand immediately. Winter asked about the period after Brand married Katy Perry in 2010. Brand described the change in his life as staggering fame. The lawyer then addressed a Channel 4 documentary that triggered a police investigation in 2023. Brand called the program devastating. Winter asked if anyone with relevant evidence would testify on Brand’s behalf. Brand said he has not found such a person. He told the court that no one would touch him with a bargepole regarding witness support.

Brand stated that his life has been consumed by these allegations. Winter guided him through statements from the complainants. Brand recalled meeting some women and said he had no memory of others. He confirmed that he typically speaks during sex. He described asking partners if they liked what was happening. On the topic of consent, Brand called it fundamental and necessary. He argued it is more important than the act itself.

The first complainant alleges Brand raped her in a Bournemouth hotel room in 1999. This occurred after a comedy gig at the Labour Party conference. Brand remembered meeting her. He described her as loquacious and interesting. He denied the rape claim. During cross-examination, the prosecution suggested Brand did not care if the woman was interested. He refuted this, stating he cared very much. He told the court he knows what no means.

The third complainant says Brand groped her in a Soho bar in 2004. She alleges he pushed her into a toilet where he orally raped her. Brand said a friend introduced him to the woman. He recalled the friend saying someone wanted to meet him. Brand said he would have complimented her beauty upon meeting. Winter asked if Brand grabbed her breasts. Brand answered absolutely not. He described the act as disgusting behavior. Brand stated he spoke to the woman for less than a minute before going to the bathroom. He said he went to fool around. He confirmed there was no question she did not consent to entering the cubicle. He said his penis did not enter her mouth in the bathroom.

The final allegation involves a woman who claims Brand anally raped her at his Hampstead home in 2009. She says this happened after consensual vaginal sex. Brand recalled a memorable encounter. He said he was excited to see her again. He remembered the vaginal sex. He denied the anal rape charge. He said she did not tell him to stop. The trial may last up to six weeks.

Brand is known for roles in St. Trinian’s and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. The defense will continue presenting its arguments to the jury. The prosecution has finished its case against the presenter and comedian. The jury will hear all evidence before deliberating on the seven counts.