UK comic Russell Brand pleads not guilty to new rape, sex assault charges
Al Jazeera
February 24, 2026
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British comedian Russell Brand has pleaded not guilty to two new charges of rape and sexual assault from 2009. Appearing at Southwark Crown Court in London, Brand denied allegations of raping one woman and sexually assaulting another, which are separate from previous charges involving four women between 1999 and 2005. These latest accusations were brought to light after a police investigation, with the Metropolitan Police confirming the charges in December. A court hearing will determine whether these new allegations will be combined with his earlier case, as Brand's legal team requests more time to address the additional offenses.
Brand, 50, arrived at court wearing a white cowboy hat and sunglasses, maintaining his flamboyant style despite the serious nature of the proceedings. Known for his high-profile career in comedy and entertainment, Brand rose to fame in the 2000s as an MTV presenter, radio host, and film actor. His personal life has also been under scrutiny, including a brief marriage to pop star Katy Perry and allegations of misogyny
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/24/2026