By Fatma Younis
Russell Brand gave evidence for the first time at his trial at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, denying three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one charge of attempted indecent assault.
No defence witnesses
Brand told the court he had no defence witnesses because “no one will touch him with a barge pole” following the publication of allegations by the Sunday Times, the Times and Channel 4 Dispatches in September 2023. Asked by his barrister, Ian Winter KC, whether he had persuaded any person with relevant evidence to testify, Brand replied: “I have not.”
First alleged incident: 1999 Labour Party conference
Regarding the first complainant, who alleges rape after meeting Brand at the Labour Party conference in Bournemouth in 1999, the comedian said he believed there was “at least a possibility of sex” when she invited him to her hotel room. He described her as “vivacious, vital, loquacious” and said he found her attractive.
Consent ‘more important than sex itself’
Questioned on the importance of consent, Brand stated it was “fundamental, essential, necessary, and indeed in many ways more important than sex itself.”
Second alleged incident: 2001 MTV studios
Brand said he had no memory of an alleged attempted indecent assault at MTV studios in 2001. He denied any intention of non‑consensual activity and said he did not recall grabbing the woman by the arm.
Third alleged incident: 2004 Soho bar
Concerning an alleged assault at the Nordic Bar in Soho in 2004, Brand denied grabbing a woman’s breasts or forcing her to perform a sex act in the toilet. He described the woman as “wide‑eyed, enthusiastic” and “flirty” when they met.
Recollection aided by site visit
Brand told the jury he had visited the bar’s lavatory where the alleged incident occurred, which together with watching the complainant’s police interview helped him recall the encounter.
Court demeanour
Standing in the witness box in a dark suit, Brand answered questions loudly and clearly, at times turning to his wife Laura Gallacher in the public gallery. He noted that his former friend Mark Pinheiro, who testified for the prosecution, was no longer a friend after his evidence.
