Story perspectives

Russell Brand rape trial begins at Southwark Crown Court

By Drooid · Oct 22, 2026, 10:23 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Russell Brand faces trial in London on three rape, three sexual assault and one indecent assault counts.
The trial began on Oct. 12, 2026 at Southwark Crown Court and is expected to last six to ten weeks.
Brand pleaded not guilty, says all contact was consensual, and remains on bail.
Six women testified about assaults from 1999-2009, including a Bournemouth hotel rape and a Soho bar toilet oral rape.

History

Historical Context

The 2012 Jimmy Savile revelations spurred Operation Yewtree, which saw Rolf Harris arrested in 2013 and convicted in 2014 on twelve indecent-assault counts at Southwark Crown Court. That verdict set a legal benchmark for historic celebrity abuse. In October 2026, Russell Brand will stand trial there for alleged assaults on six women between 1999 and 2009, continuing the post-Yewtree scrutiny.

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Story summary

Russell Brand faces trial in London on three rape, three sexual assault and one indecent assault counts.
The trial began on Oct. 12, 2026 at Southwark Crown Court and is expected to last six to ten weeks.
Brand pleaded not guilty, says all contact was consensual, and remains on bail.
Six women testified about assaults from 1999-2009, including a Bournemouth hotel rape and a Soho bar toilet oral rape.

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