Russell Brand accused of being ‘ruthless sexual predator’ as rape trial opens in London

British comedian and actor Russell Brand arrives at Southwark Crown Court in south London on October 14, 2026, for the start of his trial. — AFP pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Thursday, 15 Oct 2026 2:48 PM MYT

LONDON, Oct 15 — British comedian and actor Russell Brand was described by prosecutors as “ruthless” and a “sexual predator” as they outlined allegations of rape and sexual assault involving six women at a London court yesterday.

According to BBC News, the 51-year-old faces three counts of rape, three of sexual assault and one of indecent assault over alleged incidents between 1999 and 2009, all of which he denies.

Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC told Southwark Crown Court that the six complainants did not know one another and had come forward independently.

She alleged that Brand used his charm and humour to pursue sexual encounters, describing his desire for sexual contact as “indiscriminate and voracious”.

The jury heard allegations involving women whom Brand encountered at a Labour Party conference in 1999, during his work in the entertainment industry and at performances in London.

Among the allegations were claims that he raped a woman after meeting her at the political conference, sexually assaulted women at media workplaces and raped another woman following an initially consensual encounter in 2009.

Prosecutors said one complainant subsequently confronted Brand by text message over his treatment of her, to which he allegedly apologised.

Brand has maintained that he never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity, with prosecutors telling the court that he had disputed the allegations when questioned by police.

The court also heard testimony from Brand’s former flatmate Mark Pinheiro, who said the comedian had told him he might have gone a “bit too far” with a woman during the 1999 Labour Party conference.

Pinheiro maintained under cross-examination that he remembered Brand making the remark, although he was questioned about the accuracy of his recollection.

Brand, who attended court accompanied by his wife Laura, became famous through television and radio before appearing in Hollywood films including Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek.