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Russell Brand Takes Stand In Rape Trial — Says People Have Abandoned Him

The former actor and comedian has maintained his sexual encounters were all consensual, as multiple women spanning a decade accuse him of assault

Russell Brand took the stand at Southwark Crown Court in London on Wednesday as the first witness for his defense. Appearing in a blazer and open white shirt, the former actor and comedian stated that his entire life has been consumed by the allegations. He has pleaded not guilty to seven charges involving rape, sexual assault, or attempted indecent assault.

Brand denies all accusations and maintains that his sexual encounters were consensual, despite multiple women accusing him of assault spanning a decade. During his testimony, he revealed that he has not been able to persuade anyone to testify on his behalf.

Brief written by urgent.news from Rolling Stone, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Deadline, NYT Arts — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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