British comedian Russell Brand has entered a plea of not guilty to new charges of rape and sexual assault. These charges, added to existing ones involving four women, were denied by Brand during his appearance at Southwark Crown Court. The alleged incidents in question date back to 2009, according to the Crown Prosecution Service.
In April, Brand, aged 50, was charged with two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault. The allegations span between 1999 and 2005 and involve four women, with incidents reportedly occurring in Bournemouth and London. Brand previously pleaded not guilty to these charges in a London court earlier this year.
A trial is set for June and is expected to last four to five weeks. A hearing is scheduled for the following month to determine if the new allegations will be combined with the existing case. Brand’s legal representative cited the need for more time to address the latest offenses.
During his court appearance on Tuesday, Brand sported a white cowboy hat and sunglasses. When asked about his well-being, Brand, who disclosed his Christian faith in 2024, expressed feeling “blessed.”
Brand, a familiar face on British television in the 2000s known for his flamboyant style, worked as a BBC radio presenter. The actor from “Get Him To The Greek,” recognized for his edgy stand-up routines, has faced struggles with substance abuse and retreated from mainstream media in recent years. He has since amassed a significant online following through content blending wellness tips, conspiracy theories, and discussions on his religious beliefs.
