Russell Brand pleads not guilty to new rape and sexual assault charges at Southwark Crown Court as prosecutors expand the long-running UK criminal case.
Russell Brand pleads not guilty to new rape and sexual assault charges [Photo: X]
British comedian and actor Russell Brand appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, where he pleaded not guilty to two additional charges of rape and sexual assault linked to alleged incidents in 2009. The 50-year-old media personality has already denied multiple earlier charges, and the legal case against him continues to widen as it moves toward trial.
Prosecutors allege that the offences span more than a decade and involve several women. Brand continues to reject all accusations and maintains his innocence as the court process unfolds.
During the latest hearing, Brand formally entered not guilty pleas to one count of rape and one count of sexual assault, allegedly committed in 2009. He confirmed his name and responded clearly when asked to enter his pleas from the dock.
This marks the second time Brand has formally denied criminal charges in this case. He previously pleaded not guilty to multiple counts relating to earlier alleged incidents. The court will now prepare for trial proceedings, where the evidence will be examined in detail.
Russell Brand first gained recognition as a stand-up comedian known for his outspoken and energetic style. He became a household name in the UK as host of television programmes such as Big Brother’s Big Mouth and later expanded into radio broadcasting.
He went on to build a successful acting career, appearing in Hollywood films including Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek. In recent years, he developed a large digital audience through podcasts and online commentary.
Brand’s personal life, including his high-profile marriage to American singer Katy Perry, kept him in the public spotlight long before the current legal case.
During the latest hearing, Brand formally denied allegations that he raped one woman and sexually assaulted another in London in 2009. Prosecutors authorised these additional charges after reviewing evidence as part of the broader investigation.
Brand previously pleaded not guilty to five other sexual offence charges — including two counts of rape, one count of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault — connected to alleged incidents between 1999 and 2005 involving four women.
The court will now prepare for trial proceedings that are expected to address both the earlier and newly added counts.
Brand attended the brief hearing in person to confirm his name and enter his pleas. Reports described him as wearing a leopard-print shirt with several buttons undone while holding a fedora hat as he spoke from the dock.
The session focused solely on his formal pleas, and the court did not review evidence at this stage. Judges will schedule further procedural hearings to manage the case before it goes to trial. No verdict has been reached, and the case remains ongoing.
The investigation into Brand began in 2023 after investigative reporting by major British media outlets prompted several women to come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct.
Following police inquiries, the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges relating to alleged incidents between 1999 and 2005. A trial for those original counts has been scheduled for June 2026.
Brand has consistently denied all allegations. He has stated previously that any past relationships were consensual and that he will contest the charges in court.
The case against Brand officially began in 2023 after media investigations published allegations from multiple women. Police launched a formal inquiry soon after those reports surfaced.
Detectives reviewed witness statements, gathered evidence and interviewed individuals connected to the claims. After assessing the material, prosecutors determined that there was sufficient evidence to bring charges. Additional allegations from 2009 were later added to the case as the investigation continued.
The case centres on multiple allegations of rape, sexual assault and indecent assault. Prosecutors claim that the alleged offences occurred in London and Bournemouth over several years.
Brand denies two counts of rape, one count of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault linked to alleged incidents between 1999 and 2005. He has now also denied one further count of rape and one count of sexual assault related to alleged events in 2009.
The court will examine evidence, hear testimony and allow both prosecution and defence teams to present their arguments when the trial begins.
The case was brought forward by the Crown Prosecution Service after police completed their investigation. Several women filed complaints, prompting authorities to review the allegations in detail.
The identities of the complainants remain protected under UK law. Prosecutors determined that the case met the legal threshold for criminal charges and moved forward with formal proceedings.
The allegations have drawn widespread public attention due to Brand’s celebrity status. Public opinion remains divided, with some emphasising the seriousness of the accusations and others underscoring the importance of due process.
Legal experts note that historic allegations can present challenges in court, particularly when incidents date back many years. However, prosecutors must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt for a conviction.
Russell Brand continues to deny all allegations and has entered not guilty pleas to every charge brought against him. The addition of new counts has intensified scrutiny of the case, but the legal process will determine its outcome.
Until the trial concludes, Brand remains presumed innocent under UK law. The forthcoming court proceedings will play a decisive role in resolving one of the most closely watched legal cases involving a British entertainer in recent years.
The court will continue pre-trial hearings to organise evidence and address legal arguments before the scheduled trial in 2026. Brand remains on bail while the proceedings continue.
Police have encouraged anyone with relevant information to come forward. As the case moves toward trial, judges and jurors will ultimately decide the outcome based on the evidence presented.
