Russell Brand told police he never had non-consensual sex, London court hears at his trial

London, United Kingdom. A court in London heard on Tuesday that the comedian and actor Russell Brand told police he had never taken part in any sexual activity without consent, even though his encounters took place in countless locations and scenarios. Brand denies all the allegations against him.

The trial

Brand, 51, was once among the most high-profile broadcasters in Britain and is the former husband of US singer Katy Perry. He is standing trial at Southwark Crown Court in London, accused of sexual offences against six women between 1999 and 2009. The charges comprise three counts of rape and three of sexual assault.

Count dismissed, new charge brought

On Tuesday the judge told the jury to return a not guilty verdict on one allegation of indecent assault. Brand will nonetheless face a new charge of attempted indecent assault relating to that same alleged incident.

How the case emerged

The jury had earlier been told that all the women approached detectives after a documentary was broadcast in 2023, alongside a number of newspaper articles about him. The prosecution contends that Brand was a ruthless predator. He is expected to present his defence on Wednesday.

Brand’s statements to police

Tuesday was the first time the court heard how Brand responded to the accusations. Prosecutors read out prepared statements he gave in four police interviews held between September 2023 and July 2025. In them, he said the documentary and newspaper reports were “defamatory and fictitious” and contained “false, anonymised allegations” against him. He said this coverage had prompted the media and police to invite further allegations.