British comedian Russell Brand has entered a plea of not guilty to fresh charges of rape and sexual assault. The new allegations, dating back to 2009, were refuted by Brand during his appearance at Southwark Crown Court. This comes in addition to previous charges involving four women, which include two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault dating back to 1999-2005. Brand had previously denied these charges in a London court earlier this year.
The trial, set for June and expected to span four to five weeks, will also address whether the new allegations will be combined with the existing case. Brand’s legal representative requested more time to address the latest offenses during a hearing scheduled for the following month.
Appearing in court with a white cowboy hat and sunglasses, Brand, who declared his Christian faith in 2024, expressed feeling “blessed” when asked about his emotions. Known for his flamboyant style and work as a radio presenter for the BBC in the 2000s, Brand transitioned to online platforms in recent years, where he discussed wellness, conspiracy theories, and his religious beliefs.
For mental health support related to this report, individuals can access resources in their province or territory. In cases of immediate danger, contact emergency services at 911.