Prosecutors accuse Russell Brand of sexually abusing six women as trial opens
Russell Brand denies seven charges involving six women, as prosecutors at London’s Southwark Crown Court outline allegations dating from 1999 to 2009.
London, United Kingdom. Prosecutors alleged on Wednesday that British comedian and actor Russell Brand sexually abused six women as his career began to gain momentum, disregarding objections to his advances. Brand, 51, denies every allegation and is due to present his defence later in court.
Seven charges involving six women
Brand is charged with rape on three counts, sexual assault on another three and indecent assault on one count. The accusations concern six women and cover the period from 1999 to 2009.
Previously among Britain’s most prominent broadcasters, Brand was formerly married to Katy Perry, the US singer.
On arriving at Southwark Crown Court in London, he said: “Today I feel blessed.”
He added: “I feel of course concerned but hopeful that this process will lead to good outcomes for everybody involved.”
Prosecution outlines allegations
In her opening presentation, prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones said the women making the allegations had encountered Brand through their employment, work-related social gatherings or performances where he appeared.
According to Karmy-Jones, some women objected and told him no, while others were given no chance to respond to his advances. She alleged that neither circumstance affected his behaviour.
The prosecutor described Brand’s pursuit of sexual contact as intense, indiscriminate and voracious. She said he could appear pleasant, humorous, charming and likeable when seeking something in exchange.
Karmy-Jones alleged that he could also be demanding and entitled, describing him as flirtatious with an enormous sexual appetite and a childlike expectation that all his wishes would be satisfied. She characterised his conduct as ruthless, calculated and manipulative, and said the prosecution regarded him as a sexual predator.
Locations of alleged incidents
Karmy-Jones said the alleged incidents occurred in locations including workplaces, a hotel room, a bar’s toilet cubicle and Brand’s home.
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