Russell Brand's Sexual Assault Trial Delayed Until October
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Key Takeaways
Los Angeles, March 30 (NationPress) The trial for actor-comedian Russell Brand regarding sexual assault allegations is now scheduled to commence in October. Originally, it was set for June.
In April 2025, Brand faced charges of rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault involving four women, as reported by Deadline.
In December, the Metropolitan Police in London added new allegations of rape and sexual assault against Brand, connected to two additional women. Justice Joel Bennathan has combined these charges and set an October 12 trial date, allowing the proceedings to potentially extend for about two months rather than the previously planned five weeks during the summer, as indicated by reports from Southwark Crown Court on Monday.
According to Deadline, there were also challenges in locating jurors available to participate at the onset of the summer holiday season.
Brand has consistently denied all allegations and expressed his eagerness to contest the charges. “I’m now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court, and I’m incredibly grateful for that,” he stated last year. Brand, now 50, was absent from the court during Monday's session.
The accusations against Brand include the alleged rape of a woman in a hotel in Bournemouth in 1999, and the alleged sexual assault of a television worker in 2004.
The actor and comedian, who was married to Katy Perry, has reshaped his public persona into that of a Christian convert advocating for free speech and independent thought in MAGA America. He sidestepped a potential extradition issue for UK authorities by appearing in court in May.
Brand initially gained fame through his stand-up comedy and became well-known as a presenter on UK television and radio. He later transitioned to film with notable performances in ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ and ‘Get Him to the Greek’. He has authored several books, including ‘My Booky Wook’ and ‘Revolution’.