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UK comedian Russell Brand trial on rape, sex assault charges delayed

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on March 30, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: April 1, 2026

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UK comedian Russell Brand trial on rape, sex assault charges delayed
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LONDON, March 30 (Reuters) - British actor and comedian Russell Brand's trial on seven charges of rape and sexual assault relating to six women will take place in October, a London judge said on

Russell Brand’s Rape and Sexual Assault Trial Delayed to October in London

Overview of the Russell Brand Trial

Trial Details and Charges

LONDON, March 30 (Reuters) - British actor and comedian Russell Brand's trial on seven charges of rape and sexual assault relating to six women will take place in October, a London judge said on Monday.

Brand, once one of Britain's most high-profile broadcasters and former husband of U.S. singer Katy Perry, was not required to and did not appear at Southwark Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on Monday.

Plea and Specific Allegations

He has pleaded not guilty to all seven charges: three counts of rape and four counts of indecent or sexual assault allegedly committed between 1999 and 2009.

Trial Timeline and Proceedings

Brand, 50, was due to stand trial in June on five of the charges, before he was charged in December with two additional offences. Judge Joel Bennathan said the trial would now start in October and take up to eight weeks.

Russell Brand’s Career and Public Image

Media and Entertainment Career

Brand was a regular on British screens in the 2000s. He was known for his flamboyant style and appearance, and also worked as a radio presenter for the BBC.

Film Roles and Personal Life

He also starred in a number of films including "Get Him to the Greek" in 2010, the same year he married Perry. They divorced in 2012 after 14 months of marriage.

Recent Activities and Online Presence

By the early 2020s, Brand had faded from mainstream culture and has since largely appeared online, airing his views on U.S. politics and free speech.

(Reporting by Sam Tobin; Editing by Catarina Demony)

Key Takeaways

  • The trial, originally set for June 3, 2026, was delayed to October and is expected to run up to eight weeks.
  • Brand has pleaded not guilty to all charges, now totaling seven counts across six women.
  • The expanded case includes two additional offences brought in December 2025, involving alleged incidents in 2009.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Russell Brand's trial take place?
Russell Brand's trial is scheduled to start in October and could last up to eight weeks.
What charges is Russell Brand facing?
He faces seven charges: three counts of rape and four counts of indecent or sexual assault.
Was Russell Brand present at the recent court hearing?
No, Brand was not required to and did not appear at the preliminary hearing.
Where is the trial being held?
The trial will be held at Southwark Crown Court in London.

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