Russell Brand’s rape and sexual assault trial opens in London

British comedian and actor Russell Brand appeared at London's Southwark Crown Court on Monday as jury selection began in his trial on rape and sexual assault charges.

British comedian and actor Russell Brand appeared at London’s Southwark Crown Court on Monday as jury selection began in his trial on rape and sexual assault charges.

Brand, 51, faces seven charges: three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. The allegations involve six women and relate to incidents said to have occurred between 1999 and 2009.

Brand has pleaded not guilty to all the charges and denies the allegations.

The trial could last up to 10 weeks, according to British media reports. The prosecution is expected to begin presenting its case later this week, after the jury has been selected.

The case follows a 2023 investigation by The Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches, which reported allegations of sexual misconduct against Brand. He denied wrongdoing after the allegations emerged.