Woman testifies Brand grabbed her at bar before assault
A woman told Brand's rape trial he grabbed her breasts at a London bar in 2004, then dragged her to a toilet.
A woman who worked for MTV testified she met Russell Brand at a bar in 2004 and within less than a minute he grabbed her breasts. The MTV worker said he had a strange, maniacal expression on his face.
Brand then grabbed her arm and pulled her to the nearby toilets. In a police interview played to the court, she described being held forcibly by her head and hair.
She said he told her "don't be a spoilsport" as she froze in shock. Under cross-examination, Brand's lawyer suggested she had accompanied him willingly and the assault was physically impossible.
She rejected both claims, saying she felt ashamed and did not want to be judged. The trial at Southwark Crown Court heard earlier evidence from two other women.
Brand, 51, denies all allegations.
- 2004 at a London bar
- Alleged assault year
- Russell Brand, 51
- Defendant's age
Why it mattersThe trial is testing whether Brand's account, that accusers may have re-imagined events, holds against detailed, consistent testimony from multiple women over decades.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect. The trial is in London, but Brand's past prominence in British media and marriage to US singer Katy Perry mean the case has global reach.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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