London, United Kingdom. British actor and comedian Russell Brand pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to two additional charges of rape and sexual assault dating back to 2009. A hearing next month will decide whether the new allegations will be joined to his scheduled trial in June.
New allegations and court appearance
Brand appeared at Southwark Crown Court in London and denied accusations of raping one woman and sexually assaulting a second woman in 2009.
Earlier charges and trial schedule
Brand was charged last year with two counts of rape, one count of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault against four women between 1999 and 2005. He pleaded not guilty in May last year to those five charges and is due to stand trial in June. A hearing will be held next month to decide whether the new allegations should be joined to that case, with Brand’s lawyer saying his client needed more time to address the latest offences.
Comments outside court
Brand, 50, arrived at court wearing a white cowboy hat and sunglasses. Asked how he was feeling, Brand, who said in 2024 he had become a Christian, told reporters he was feeling “blessed”.
Career background
Brand was a regular on British screens in the 2000s and was known for his flamboyant style and appearance. He also worked as a radio presenter for the BBC. He starred in films including “Get Him to the Greek” in 2010, the same year he married U.S. singer Katy Perry. They divorced in 2012 after 14 months of marriage.
Recent public profile
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.
What do you think the court will decide about joining the new allegations to the upcoming trial?