Russell Brand denies charges as prosecution closes case

The prosecution has closed its case in the trial of Russell Brand at Southwark Crown Court. The 51-year-old former comedian denies all charges. He faces seven charges relating to six different women. He will have the chance to give evidence tomorrow, when the defence opens its case.

The court heard prepared statements that Brand gave to police during four interviews between November 2023 and July 2025. In them, he described a very promiscuous celebrity lifestyle, including kissing hundreds of fans in public and having numerous sexual encounters. He said that lifestyle had been 'reframed unfavourably' into rape and sexual assault claims.

In a statement given to police in July last year, Brand said: 'As I have repeatedly stated publicly and written about extensively, I led a very promiscuous life in the past, which I have spent years openly denouncing. I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity.' He went on that the media and police had publicly invited additional allegations, which he said resulted in further encounters being 'invented or reimagined.'

The judge made one change to the charges. A woman who had worked for MTV alleged that Brand grabbed her by the arm and tried to drag her into a toilet in 2001. The judge told jurors there was insufficient evidence to support a charge of indecent assault. That charge was struck off the list and a new charge of attempted indecent assault was added instead.

In the police interviews, Brand also said he had always had 'friendly, consensual and warm interactions' with fans when there was physical contact. He said that at live shows, press events, junkets and book signings he did his best to be 'accessible, non-discriminatory and loving.' He denies all charges. The defence is due to open its case tomorrow.