By Karim Hammam
Russell Brand's barrister Ian Winter KC outlined defenses against seven criminal charges at Southwark Crown Court, arguing that public opinion has been "perverted and corrupted" by media coverage. Brand denies three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of attempted indecent assault involving six women.
Labour Party conference allegation
Regarding a woman who accused Brand of raping her in a hotel room after a 1999 cabaret show, Winter said she "fancied him" and invited him to her bedsit, consenting to sex. He dismissed her description of Brand wearing "budgie smugglers" and jumping like an ostrich as "entirely false," noting she kept a photo of Brand blowing a kiss, which he said was inconsistent with an allegation made 24 years later.
MTV offices incident
An MTV worker alleged Brand tried to drag her into a toilet in 2001. Winter stated Brand "accepted" her "no" and therefore did not attempt assault. He argued prosecutors "can't even put to Mr Brand anything about what he was intending to do" and claimed the Channel 4 Dispatches programme had "poisoned the well."
Soho bar accusation
Brand is accused of groping a woman at a Soho birthday party and forcing oral sex in a toilet. Winter highlighted that she did not report the alleged assault until September 2023, suggesting the Dispatches programme prompted her recollection. He questioned why she would enter Brand's car immediately after an alleged oral rape.
Choice FM radio station claim
A staffer at Choice FM alleged Brand pinned her against a wall, groped her, and gave "sloppy" kisses in 2005. Winter described the allegation as "akin to a maniac jumping on you" and asked why she never complained during Brand's "incredible fame" and marriage to Katy Perry.
Hammersmith Apollo rape charge
Brand is accused of raping a 21-year-old fan in 2009 after meeting at his Hammersmith Apollo show. Winter argued she "completely understood what sort of sex would happen" when she went to his house, and that her "fan obsession" clouded her judgment. He said she consented but later regretted it.
Channel 4 massage allegation
The final charge involves Brand allegedly putting his head into a woman's lap during a forced massage. Winter contended that without evidence of "sexual breathing," the act was "just a massage" — inappropriate for the workplace but not sexual.
