U.K. comedian Russell Brand trial on rape, sex assault charges delayed

Actor--comedian Russell Brand arrives at Westminster Magistrates' court in London, Friday, May 2, 2025, to face charges of rape and sexual assault involving four women. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

British actor and comedian Russell Brand’s trial on seven charges of rape and sexual assault relating to six women will take place in October, a London judge said on Monday.

Brand, once one of Britain’s most high-profile broadcasters and former husband of U.S. singer Katy Perry, was not required to and did not appear at Southwark Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on Monday.

He has pleaded not guilty to all seven charges: three counts of rape and four counts of indecent or sexual assault allegedly committed between 1999 and 2009.

Brand, 50, was due to stand trial in June on five of the charges, before he was charged in December with two additional offenses. Judge Joel Bennathan said the trial would now start in October and take up to eight weeks.

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 Sam Tobin; Editing by Catarina Demony)

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)
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