Russell Brand faces trial on rape and assault charges spanning decades
Actor Russell Brand's trial opened in London with prosecutors alleging he assaulted six women between 1999 and 2009.
Russell Brand, 51, appeared at Southwark Crown Court in London on Wednesday. Brand faces three rape counts, three sexual assault charges and one indecent assault count.
Brand denies all allegations and insists he never engaged in non-consensual sex. Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones told jurors the actor was ruthless and manipulative, describing six women who did not know each other but claim similar experiences.
The prosecution says Brand assaulted them between 1999 and 2009, and that his desire for sexual contact was indiscriminate and voracious. A former friend testified that Brand had told him of a goal to sleep with 5,000 women over his lifetime.
The trial is expected to continue for six weeks.
- 1999 to 2009
- Alleged timespan
- Six unconnected complainants
- Number of women
- Southwark Crown Court, London
- Trial location
Why it mattersThe trial, based on allegations over decades, will test whether Brand's charm concealed serious criminal behaviour, and shapes how the public understands the allegations.
AustraliaAn Australian-watched trial of a public figure followed by Australian media; outcome may influence how allegations against celebrities in Australia are treated.
Corroborated bynews.com.au·smh.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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