Entertainment · October 28, 2026
Russell Brand Testifies in Rape Trial for First Time
Russell Brand testified for the first time on October 28 in a London criminal trial at Southwark Crown Court, where he faces seven charges of sexual offending dating from 1999 to 2009. Standing as the first and only witness for his defense, Brand denied three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of attempted indecent assault. He told the court that the allegations have had a 'devastating' impact on his personal and professional life, noting that no potential witnesses with relevant evidence were willing to testify on his behalf. The defense case follows two weeks of testimony from six accusers presented by the prosecution.
Read the original coverage
Russell Brand Testifies in Rape Trial for First Time
Read at The New York Times ↗- DeadlineTrade
Russell Brand Takes The Stand During Rape Trial
Read at Deadline ↗ - VarietyTrade
Russell Brand Takes the Stand in Rape Trial and Reveals No One Agreed to Testify on His Behalf: ‘My Entire Life Has Been Consumed by These Allegations’
Read at Variety ↗ Russell Brand Takes the Stand in Rape Trial: “I Know What ‘No’ Means”
Read at The Hollywood Reporter ↗- BreitbartMainstream
Russell Brand Denies All Charges as He Takes Stand at His Rape Trial
Read at Breitbart ↗ - TMZTabloid
Russell Brand Says No One Will Touch Him 'With a Bargepole' After Sex Crime Allegations
Read at TMZ ↗ - Rolling StoneMainstream
Russell Brand Takes Stand In Rape Trial -- Says People Have Abandoned Him
Read at Rolling Stone ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- Russell Brand testified on Wednesday at Southwark Crown Court in London.
- Brand pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.
- The charges involve six women and relate to alleged offenses between 1999 and 2009.
- Brand is the only witness testifying for his defense.
- Brand stated that no one was willing to testify on his behalf.
- The charges include three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of attempted indecent assault.
- Brand's defense is led by lawyer Ian Winter.
Reported by only some outlets
- Brand's age is reported as 51.
- The judge, Justice Bennathan, reduced a charge from indecent assault to attempted indecent assault on Tuesday afternoon.
- Brand mentioned his marriage to Katy Perry brought 'staggering fame' in 2010.
- Brand claimed he was barred from staying with his son at Great Ormond Street Hospital during the child's heart surgery due to the 2023 media reports.
- Brand arrived at court with his wife, Laura Gallacher.
Confirmed
- Russell Brand testified in his own defense at Southwark Crown Court on October 28.
- He is facing seven charges: three rape, three sexual assault, and one attempted indecent assault.
- The alleged incidents involve six women between 1999 and 2009.
- Brand is the sole witness for the defense.
Reported
- The judge reduced a charge from indecent assault to attempted indecent assault on Tuesday. (The Hollywood Reporter)
- Brand mentioned his marriage to Katy Perry resulted in 'staggering fame.' (Variety)
- Brand was forbidden from staying with his son at Great Ormond Street Hospital. (Breitbart)
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