The actor and comedian Russell Brand faces a trial in June 2026 over allegations from four women spanning from 1999 to 2005
Russell Brand has officially pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of rape and sexual assault during his court appearance on Friday, May 30, at Southwark Crown Court in London. Brand, 49, faced the charges while dressed in a grey suit and unbuttoned shirt, complemented by dark sunglasses as he entered the courtroom at 10:30 a.m. local time.
The British comedian and actor formally confirmed his name for the record and then entered a plea of “not guilty” to one charge of rape, one of oral rape, and three counts of sexual assault. The court hearing lasted approximately ten minutes, concluding with Brand being granted bail ahead of his trial, which is slated to begin on June 3, 2026. The trial is expected to span up to five weeks.
The hearing on Friday comes after Brand’s initial appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2, where Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring granted him bail. The charges were first brought forward by London’s Metropolitan Police on April 4, following complaints from four women who allege that Brand sexually assaulted them in England between 1999 and 2005.
The allegations include a claim from one woman who says she was raped by Brand in southern England in 1999, while another alleges she was sexually assaulted and orally raped by him in London in 2004.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy from the Metropolitan Police emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation, stating, “The women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers. The Met’s investigation remains open, and detectives ask anyone who has been affected by this case, or anyone who has any information, to come forward and speak with police.”
These charges and the subsequent investigation follow a significant joint exposé in 2023 by U.K. newspapers The Sunday Times and The Times, along with Channel 4’s current affairs program Dispatches. That investigation detailed allegations from five women regarding incidents that took place between 2006 and 2013, including an alleged assault involving a 16-year-old girl at the time.
Brand’s legal team has maintained his innocence, with the actor previously denying all allegations of sexual assault or misconduct. The high-profile nature of the case, coupled with Brand’s celebrity status and history of controversial public behavior, has kept the story in the media spotlight both in the U.K. and internationally.
As Brand prepares to face trial next year, the case underscores growing scrutiny around sexual assault allegations in the entertainment industry and the long-lasting impact of such claims on both victims and the accused.
The next few months are expected to be critical as lawyers for both the prosecution and defense continue to build their cases, and as witnesses prepare to testify. The trial in June 2026 promises to be closely watched, given both the severity of the allegations and the public attention surrounding the case.