Russell Brand Maintains Innocence in Court Over Sexual Assault Charges

Russell Brand has officially pleaded not guilty to allegations of rape and sexual assault during a court appearance in London. Facing charges relating to incidents involving four women from 1999 to 2005, Brand's trial is slated to commence in June 2026.

Russell Brand has entered a not guilty plea in a London court regarding serious allegations of rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault. The 49-year-old broadcaster, comedian, and actor appeared at Southwark Crown Court this week, formally denying the five charges against him.

The specific offences include one allegation of rape, one of indecent assault, one of oral rape, and two additional counts of sexual assault, spanning a period from 1999 to 2005 in locations including central London and Bournemouth. The accusations involve four different women; with one notable charge claiming oral rape and sexual assault against a victim in July 2004, while another alleges rape occurring in 1999.

Further allegations involve incidents where Brand is accused of indecently assaulting a woman in 2001 by physically dragging her towards a male restroom, and sexually assaulting another woman through kissing and groping in 2004 or 2005.

Brand, dressed in a dark suit and open-collared shirt, made his way into the courthouse with a composed demeanor, looking straight ahead and refraining from making comments to reporters. Upon entering the glass dock, he stated his name and responded “not guilty” to each of the charges presented.

After the hearing, Brand exited the courthouse with security personnel, navigating past numerous media representatives and awaiting vehicles. He retains conditional bail until his trial, which is currently scheduled to begin on June 3, 2026. A pre-trial review has been arranged for May 20, 2026.

In the wake of being charged in April, Brand released a video to his followers, asserting his innocence and denying any engagement in non-consensual sexual activities. "I'm now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court and I'm incredibly grateful for that," he expressed in the message.

Russell Brand, originally from Essex, gained prominence as a stand-up comedian and later became a familiar face on television through shows like Big Brother's Big Mouth, along with hosting various radio programs on stations such as BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music. He has also made a successful transition to Hollywood, appearing in films including Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him To The Greek.