British comedian and actor Russell Brand entered not guilty pleas in a London courtroom on Friday in response to rape and sexual assault charges connected to incidents involving four women more than 20 years ago.
Brand, who was once among Britain’s most prominent media personalities and was previously married to American pop star Katy Perry, appeared at Southwark Crown Court. He denied all five charges brought against him.
In April, British prosecutors revealed that Brand faced two rape charges, along with one count of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault. The alleged offences involve four women and span from 1999 to 2005.
Brand, who has previously listed an address in England but also spends time in the United States, is scheduled to face trial in June 2026.
Read also: UK police charge comedian Russell Brand with rape, sexual assaults
He spoke only to confirm his identity and to formally deny each of the five charges before exiting the courtroom with his legal team and others accompanying him.
Following the announcement of the charges, Brand posted a video on social media in which he described himself during his younger years as reckless and addicted to sex, but insisted, “what I never was, was a rapist.”
During the 2000s, Brand became a fixture on British television, recognised for his flamboyant persona and striking looks.
He held roles at the BBC and appeared in films such as Get Him to the Greek, later marrying Perry in 2010. Their marriage ended in divorce just over a year later.
By the early 2020s, Brand had largely stepped away from traditional media, shifting his focus to his online platform, where he frequently discusses U.S. politics and issues surrounding free speech.
In September 2023, several media outlets published reports containing allegations of sexual misconduct. Authorities launched an investigation shortly after.
Brand, who stated last year that he had embraced Christianity, has denied all of the allegations made against him.
