Russell Brand takes the stand at his rape and sexual assault trial

October 28, 2026 / 11:05 AM EDT / CBS News

Actor and comedian Russell Brand took the stand in his trial on rape and sexual assault charges in London on Wednesday.

Brand, 51, is accused of three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one charge of attempted indecent assault.

The allegations, made by six female complainants, span a 10-year period between 1999 and 2009. Brand has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

He started the morning by answering questions on whether he committed each respective charge with a terse "no." Under cross-examination, he said he was innocent.

"My entire life has been consumed by these allegations," Brand said in his initial questioning. Under cross-examination, he said that while he believes he behaved promiscuously during the time period in question, he thinks that "consent is absolutely non-negotiable."

One woman alleged she met Brand at a Labour Party conference in 1999. She believed Brand was gay, and invited him to her hotel room to continue a conversation that began after a cabaret show where he performed. She alleged he came out of the bathroom topless before raping her.

Brand said he remembers meeting the victim and chatting with her.

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/world/