Russell Brand faces trial after jury sworn in on rape and sexual assault charges

A jury was sworn in on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, for the trial of comedian Russell Brand, who faces three counts of rape, three of sexual assault, and one of indecent assault over allegations spanning 1999 to 2009.

The 51-year-old faces three counts of rape, three of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault, alleged to have occurred between 1999 and 2009.

Judge Warns Jurors Against Researching Brand Case

Jury selection began on Monday, October 12, with 50 prospective jurors questioned about prior exposure to media coverage of Brand’s allegations. Six were dismissed after acknowledging they had seen a 2023 Channel 4 documentary or read a Times article about the claims, which Brand firmly denies. Judge Mr. Justice Bennathan warned the selected jurors not to conduct any research on the case, stating, Heaven knows what’s out there. If you want to, you could go and have a look – but only once you have returned your verdicts.

The jury, including one reserve member, was formally sworn in on Tuesday. Prosecutors, led by Riel Karmy-Jones KC, are set to open their case on Wednesday, detailing allegations that include a 1999 hotel room incident at a Labour Party conference, an alleged 2004 assault on a TV worker, and a 2009 incident involving a radio station employee. Brand’s legal team has yet to outline its defense strategy.

Russell Brand trial: Jury selection begins for rape, sexual assault case

The judge began on Monday with 50 potential jurors, before swiftly dismissing six who admitted to viewing a 2023 Channel 4 documentary or reading a newspaper piece about Brand’s allegations, which he denies. During the second phase of the selection process, 20 potential jurors were chosen and sent home overnight to confirm their availability for a trial anticipated to last six weeks, though it might extend to nine weeks.

Brand Faces Global Scrutiny During Trial

Brand was married to American singer Katy Perry from 2010 until 2012. His public profile has meant that the criminal proceedings are being followed closely by audiences in Britain and internationally. Brand emerged as a UK television figure in the 2000s, hosting events like the 2007 Brit Awards, Comic Relief, and the MTV Video Music Awards. He later moved into podcasting and online influencing.

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Brand’s wife, Laura Gallacher, accompanied him to the first day of court but did not attend Tuesday’s proceedings. The trial is expected to last between six and nine weeks, with the jury instructed to base their verdicts solely on evidence presented in court.

Prosecution Must Prove Allegations Beyond Reasonable Doubt

The case has drawn significant public attention due to Brand’s prominence in British media and his outspoken nature on topics like religion and politics. However, the prosecution has emphasized that the charges are allegations, and the jury must evaluate the evidence without external influence. Judge Bennathan reiterated this directive, stating, The defendant is clearly someone very well known. You absolutely must not carry out any research at all about this defendant Russell Brand.

Photo: Theguardian

The trial’s outcome will hinge on the prosecution’s ability to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt. Brand’s legal team has not yet addressed the specific claims, but his not-guilty pleas set the stage for a high-profile proceeding. The case is scheduled to continue through mid-November, with the jury’s verdict expected to follow after the trial concludes.

According to The Independent, prosecutors initially charged Brand in 2025 with two rape charges, one indecent assault, and two sexual assault allegations stemming from claims by four women. Those alleged offenses happened between 1999 and 2005. Prosecutors delayed his trial, originally set to begin in June, to file additional charges. In January, they added one count of rape and one of sexual assault. These were said to have occurred in London in 2009.

Jury selection begins in Russell Brand's rape and sexual assault trial

With his security guard by his side, Brand glanced at the cameras before removing his sunglasses while ascending the steps to the central London courthouse.

The trial’s duration was initially expected to last six weeks but could extend to nine. The jury selection process continued on Tuesday, with the prosecution opening its case on Wednesday. The judge told the jurors not to discuss the case or carry out any research. Heaven knows what’s out there, Bennathan said on Tuesday. If you want to, you could go and have a look – but only once you have returned your verdicts.