U.K. comedian Russell Brand pleads not guilty to further rape, sex assault charges

Russell Brand leaves the Troubabour Wembley Park theater in northwest London after performing a comedy set on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (James Manning/PA via AP)

British actor and comedian Russell Brand pleaded not guilty in a London court on Tuesday to two additional charges of rape and sexual assault nearly two decades ago.

Brand, once one of Britain’s most high-profile broadcasters and former husband of U.S. singer Katy Perry, appeared at Southwark Crown Court in London and denied accusations of raping one woman and sexually assaulting a second woman in 2009.

He was charged last year with two counts of rape, one count of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault against four women between 1999 and 2005.

Brand pleaded not guilty in May last year to those five charges and is due to stand trial in June. A hearing will be held next month to decide whether the new allegations should be joined to that case, with Brand’s lawyer saying his client needed more time to address the latest offenses.

Brand, 50, arrived at court wearing a white cowboy hat and sunglasses. Asked how he was feeling, Brand, who said in 2024 he had become a Christian, told reporters he was feeling “blessed.”

Brand was a regular on British screens in the 2000s. He was known for his flamboyant style and appearance, and also worked as a radio presenter for the BBC.

He also starred in a number of films including “Get Him to the Greek” in 2010, the same year he married Perry. They divorced in 2012 after 14 months of marriage.

By the early 2020s, Brand had faded from mainstream culture and has since largely appeared online, airing his views on U.S. politics and free speech.

(Reporting by Michael Holden; Editing by William James and Timothy Heritage)

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
• The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling. 
• The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: [phone] or [phone] (24/7)
• Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: [phone] (24/7)
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone] (24/7)
• Trans Lifeline: [phone]
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: [phone]
• Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.