Russell Brand Denies All Rape Charges in London Trial

Russell Brand stood before Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday to deny every charge in his criminal trial. He was called to the witness stand by his lawyer, Ian Winter KC, to begin the defense presentation. When Winter asked if Brand committed each alleged offense, the comedian repeatedly answered no.

Brand spoke about his rise to prominence, stating that his 2010 marriage to Katy Perry brought him staggering fame. He revealed that not one person with relevant information agreed to testify on his behalf. My entire life has been consumed by these allegations, he told the court. I have devoted myself to these matters.

The case involves six female plaintiffs who are granted automatic lifelong anonymity under U.K. law. The alleged offenses occurred between 1999 and 2009. Brand has pleaded not guilty to all counts. He faces three charges of rape and three counts of sexual assault.

Judge Mr Justice Bennathan reduced one of the seven original charges on Tuesday. The judge changed the indecent assault count to attempted indecent assault. He told jurors there was insufficient evidence regarding an alleged 2001 incident involving an MTV employee.

Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC detailed the accusations during the opening statement two weeks ago. She described Brand as ruthless and calculated. The prosecution presented evidence of an alleged rape at the 1999 Labour Party conference in Bournemouth. They also cited a 2001 incident where a woman claimed Brand grabbed her at MTV and tried to pull her into a toilet.

Other allegations include a 2004 party in Soho where a woman says Brand squeezed her breasts and orally raped her in a toilet. A separate 2004 or 2005 incident at Capital Radio involves a claim that Brand pushed a woman against a wall and kissed her aggressively. The final two allegations involve an alleged anal rape in 2009 and a demand for a massage during a work assignment that same year.

Brand told journalists outside the court on Wednesday that he is grateful for the system. He described the day as a time for truth and justice. The trial is scheduled to continue on Thursday.