Russell Brand admits using fame for sex, denies all rape charges
Comedian told court he used his celebrity to enable sexual access but denies raping six women.
Russell Brand spent about four hours giving evidence at Southwark Crown Court in London. Brand is accused of three counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
Brand is also accused of one attempted assault. All charges involve six women between 1999 and 2009.
Brand, 51, denies all charges. He told the jury he had lived a life of reckless philandering.
He admitted he was very comfortable allowing his fame to enable sexual access. He said this was wrong.
However, he claimed consent was fundamental. He said it was more important than sex itself.
The prosecutor suggested Brand had built his account around details the women provided. Brand said he remembered more details as the trial went on.
He acknowledged some details did not match up. The jury is expected to retire next Tuesday to decide the verdict.
- Russell Brand, 51, comedian and actor
- Age and role
- Southwark Crown Court in London
- Court and location
- 6 women, accusations spanning 1999 to 2009
- Scope of charges
Why it mattersA well-known figure gave testimony in a major sexual assault trial. It highlights how fame and power affect consent.
AustraliaThe case has drawn international attention; Australian media are following the trial closely and Brand's Hollywood career remains paused.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
