Russell Brand Denies Additional Rape and Sexual Assault Charges in Court
Comedian and actor Russell Brand has pleaded not guilty to two further sexual offence charges, including one count of rape and one count of sexual assault. The new allegations are said to have occurred in 2009, as presented during a hearing at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday 24 February 2026.
Background of Previous Charges
Brand had previously denied a series of sexual offence charges dating back to alleged incidents between 1999 and 2005. These earlier charges included two counts of rape, one count of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault, involving four women in total. The new pleas add to this ongoing legal battle, with the total number of denied charges now standing at seven.
Court Appearance Details
During the court session, the 50-year-old Brand appeared wearing a distinctive leopard print shirt with several buttons undone and was seen holding a white hat. From the dock, he confirmed his identity and formally entered his not guilty pleas to the additional charges. The proceedings were conducted in a formal manner, with Brand complying with court protocols as the allegations were read out.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
The addition of these new charges extends the timeline of the alleged offences, now spanning from 1999 to 2009. Legal experts suggest that this could complicate the case, potentially involving more evidence and witness testimonies. The court is expected to schedule further hearings to address the mounting allegations, with Brand maintaining his innocence throughout.
This development comes amid heightened public and media scrutiny of sexual misconduct cases in the entertainment industry. Brand's case has drawn significant attention due to his high-profile career and the serious nature of the charges. The outcome of these proceedings could have broader implications for how similar cases are handled in the future.
