Story perspectives

Russell Brand tells jury consent is “fundamental”

By Drooid · Oct 31, 2026 · How we work

Read the story

Story summary

Summary

Russell Brand is on trial in London facing seven rape and sexual assault charges.
He has pleaded not guilty to three rape counts, three sexual assault counts, and one attempted indecent assault.
Wife Laura Brand testified he is caring, kind, and a wonderful father, noting their 2007 split and 2017 marriage.
Brand told the jury consent is fundamental, essential, and more important than sex itself.

History

The 1999 conviction of glam-rock star Gary Glitter (Paul Francis Gadd) for child-pornography marked Britain’s first major celebrity sex-offence case, prompting Operation Yewtree and tighter prosecutorial rules. His fall from a career that produced 26 hit singles showed that fame offers no immunity, a precedent echoed today as Russell Brand faces rape charges in London courts.

1 of 2

The 1999 conviction of glam-rock star Gary Glitter (Paul Francis Gadd) for child-pornography marked Britain’s first major celebrity sex-offence case, prompting Operation Yewtree and tighter prosecutorial rules. His fall from a career that produced 26 hit singles showed that fame offers no immunity, a precedent echoed today as Russell Brand faces rape charges in London courts.

1 / 2