British comedian Russell Brand has entered a not guilty plea to fresh charges of rape and sexual assault. Brand, who is already facing similar accusations involving four women, refuted the new charges during his appearance at Southwark Crown Court. The alleged incidents reportedly occurred in 2009, according to the Crown Prosecution Service.
In April, the 50-year-old entertainer was charged with two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault. Prosecutors stated that the allegations span between 1999 and 2005, with one incident in Bournemouth and three in London. Brand previously pleaded not guilty to these charges in a London court earlier this year.
A trial is set for June and is anticipated to last four to five weeks. A hearing is scheduled for the following month to determine if the new allegations will be linked to the existing case. Brand’s lawyer requested additional time to address the latest offenses.
During his court appearance on Tuesday, Brand sported a white cowboy hat and sunglasses. When asked about his feelings, Brand, who announced his Christian faith in 2024, expressed feeling “blessed.”
Brand rose to prominence on British television in the 2000s with his flamboyant style and radio hosting on the BBC. The actor, best known for his provocative stand-up acts, has struggled with substance abuse and retreated from mainstream media in recent times. He has garnered a substantial online following through videos that blend wellness advice, conspiracy theories, and discussions about his religious beliefs.
