Russell Brand tells sex assault trial ‘consent is fundamental’

Russell Brand has testified that a documentary alleging his misconduct had a "devastating" impact on his life, causing friends and colleagues to turn against him. The 51-year-old entertainer is currently on trial at Southwark Crown Court, charged with multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, and attempted indecent assault spanning a decade from 1999 to 2009.

He denies all the accusations. After the prosecution concluded their case on Wednesday, Brand took the stand as his defence began. His barrister, Ian Winter KC, questioned him about the documentary, which aired in 2023, and its effects on his relationships. Brand answered "no" to each question and stated that he had not managed to persuade any friends or acquaintances to testify on his behalf.

He also revealed that he was barred from staying with his son at Great Ormond Street Hospital during open-heart surgery due to the documentary's publication. Brand emphasized that the allegations had consumed his life and he had devoted himself to addressing them. When questioned about a specific allegation of rape at a Labour Party conference in 1999, Brand confirmed meeting the complainant and found her "loquacious and interesting," while denying any truth to the rape allegation.

He reiterated that consent is paramount in sexual relations. The trial is being documented by the BBC podcast "Russell Brand on Trial" available on various platforms.