Russell Brand's trial on multiple rape and sexual assault charges, involving six women, is now set for October 2025. The comedian denies all allegations.
- March 30, 2026
AceShowbiz - Russell Brand’s rape trial has been rescheduled from June to October, allowing for a longer courtroom process.
In April 2025, the actor and comedian best known for Forgetting Sarah Marshall faced charges including rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault, involving allegations from four different women. Later in December, the Metropolitan Police in London added further charges relating to two more women, also accusing Brand of rape and sexual assault.
Mr Justice Joel Bennathan has combined these two separate sets of charges and set the trial date for October 12, 2025. The trial is expected to last approximately two months, rather than the originally planned five weeks during the summer. Reports from Southwark Crown Court highlighted concerns about jury availability due to the start of summer holidays, contributing to the decision to delay the trial.
Brand has denied all accusations and expressed his readiness to defend himself in court. He commented last year that he is “incredibly grateful” for the opportunity to clear his name. The 50-year-old was not present at Monday’s hearing.
The allegations against Brand include an accusation of raping a woman in a Bournemouth hotel room in 1999, as well as claims that he sexually assaulted a television worker in 2004 by grabbing her breasts and committing oral rape.
Formerly married to singer Katy Perry, Brand has recently transformed his public persona, promoting Christian beliefs and advocating for free speech and free thinking in the United States. In May, he appeared in court in the UK, avoiding possible extradition complications.
The upcoming trial will address all charges in a consolidated hearing expected to take place over two months starting in October 2025, a significant extension from the initial timetable set for the summer.
