{
  "id": 14591560,
  "title": "Comedian Russell Brand was a ruthless sexual predator, UK prosecutors say",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/comedian-russell-brand-was-a-ruthless-sexual-predator-uk-prosecutors",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T02:08:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Channel News Asia",
    "slug": "channel-news-asia",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/entertainment/russell-brand-rape-sexual-assault-trial-six-women-6458586"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "British comedian Russell Brand is accused of being a sexual predator, facing charges including rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault against six women. Prosecutors claim his actions, spanning from 1999 to 2009, demonstrate a \"voracious sexual appetite\" and \"ruthlessness.\" Brand, 51, the ex-husband of singer Katy Perry, denies all allegations and is on trial at London's Southwark Crown Court. The prosecution alleges that Brand's advances were indiscriminate, and he often exhibited manipulative behavior. The first incident allegedly occurred in 1999, when Brand raped a woman in her hotel room after she invited him to discuss a show. Other incidents include attempts to drag a woman into a toilet cubicle, allegations of oral rape, indecent assault, and consensual sex followed by anal rape. Prosecutors argue that Brand's behavior was calculated and predatory, even when he appeared charming or funny. Despite his denials, witnesses and evidence paint a disturbing picture of Brand's actions over a decade-long period.",
  "summary": "British comedian Russell Brand faces 7 charges involving rape, sexual assault and indecent assault against 6 women. He denies all allegations concerning incidents between 1999 and 2009.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}