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Russell Brand Trial Opens Over 7 Sexual Assault Charges

By Drooid · Oct 20, 2026, 2:00 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Russell Brand On Trial

Russell Brand is on trial in London on three rape, three sexual assault and one indecent assault count.
Six women allege the assaults occurred between 1999 and 2009.
A 2004 complainant testified Brand grabbed her breasts, grinned and dragged her into a bar toilet.
The Southwark Crown Court trial is expected to last about six weeks.

Summary

Brand Faces Jury

The court swore in eight men and four women after selecting from 50 prospective jurors.
Several candidates were excused after admitting they watched the Channel 4 documentary or read related articles.
Justice Joel Bennathan instructed jurors to ignore all prior media coverage and prohibited case research.
Brand continued posting on Instagram, YouTube and Rumble, framing the trial as a test of truth and justice.

History

Historical Context

The 1995 O.J. Simpson murder trial, held in Los Angeles County Court, ended with a not-guilty verdict after a televised six-month proceeding. Judge Lance Ito oversaw 12 jurors, while prosecutors Marcia Clark and defense attorney Johnnie Cochran each presented over 1,000 pieces of evidence. Similarly, London’s Southwark Crown Court barred jurors from consuming Channel 4 documentaries and social-media posts as Russell Brand’s 2024 trial proceeds. The Simpson case demonstrated how pervasive media exposure can sway public opinion, prompting modern courts to enforce stricter juror isolation to preserve trial integrity.

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Russell Brand On Trial

Russell Brand is on trial in London on three rape, three sexual assault and one indecent assault count.
Six women allege the assaults occurred between 1999 and 2009.
A 2004 complainant testified Brand grabbed her breasts, grinned and dragged her into a bar toilet.
The Southwark Crown Court trial is expected to last about six weeks.

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