Russell Brand testifies, denies all counts in London criminal trial
The comedian told Southwark Crown Court that no one agreed to back his defense, as the case moves into its final phase.
By Hugo Konate ·
Russell Brand appeared in court on Wednesday to face the final phase of his criminal trial in London. He stands accused of seven sexual offenses spanning a decade, charges he has consistently denied.
Brand’s legal team called him to the stand as their first witness. His lawyer, Ian Winter KC, asked the comedian to confirm whether he committed each alleged act. Brand answered "no" to every question. The attorney then inquired about the comedian's rise to prominence, noting that Brand’s 2010 marriage to singer Katy Perry resulted in what the defendant described as staggering fame.
The defendant disclosed that he attempted to secure witnesses to support his case but failed to convince any relevant party to testify. He stated that the legal proceedings have dominated his personal existence for years. "My entire life has been consumed by these allegations," Brand told the judge and jury. "I have devoted myself to these matters."
On Tuesday, Mr Justice Bennathan modified the original list of seven counts. The judge reduced one charge of indecent assault to attempted indecent assault, citing insufficient evidence regarding an incident from 2001. The remaining charges include three counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault. Brand has pleaded not guilty to all six remaining counts. The allegations involve six women, who are protected by lifelong anonymity under U.K. law, and cover incidents reported to have occurred between 1999 and 2009.
The prosecution spent the previous two weeks presenting its case. Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC characterized Brand’s behavior as ruthless and calculated. The opening statement detailed specific incidents, including an alleged rape at the 1999 Labour Party conference in Bournemouth. Other claims include an alleged assault at MTV in 2001 and an incident at Capital Radio in 2004 or 2005 where Brand allegedly pushed a woman against a wall.
After the hearing, Brand spoke to reporters outside the Southwark Crown Court. He described the day as a time for truth and justice, expressing gratitude for the legal system's ability to handle the case. The trial is scheduled to continue on Thursday.
Source: Variety
