Russell Brand Pleads Not Guilty to Additional Rape and Sexual Assault Charges

British comedian and actor Russell Brand has pleaded not guilty to two additional charges of rape and sexual assault during a court appearance in London, as legal proceedings against him continue to expand.

Brand appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday where he formally denied allegations that he raped one woman and sexually assaulted another in 2009. The new charges come on top of existing accusations that were brought against him last year, involving multiple women and alleged incidents dating between 1999 and 2005.

The 50 year old entertainer previously pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape, one count of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault connected to four separate complainants. His trial in relation to those earlier charges is scheduled to begin in June. A separate hearing is expected next month to determine whether the newly filed allegations will be joined to the upcoming trial.

Brand arrived at court wearing a white cowboy hat and sunglasses and briefly spoke to reporters outside the building. When asked about his condition, he said he felt blessed. In recent years, he has spoken publicly about a personal religious conversion and lifestyle changes.

Once one of Britain’s most recognizable media personalities, Brand rose to prominence in the early 2000s with a distinctive comedic style and frequent television appearances. He worked as a presenter for the BBC and became widely known for hosting radio and entertainment programs. His flamboyant persona and outspoken humor made him a regular fixture in British popular culture.

Brand also transitioned into film, appearing in Hollywood productions including the 2010 comedy Get Him to the Greek. That same year, he married American pop singer Katy Perry, though the marriage ended in divorce after just over a year.

By the early 2020s, Brand had stepped away from mainstream broadcasting and shifted his focus to online platforms. He developed a substantial digital following, frequently sharing commentary on political issues, media freedom, and cultural debates, particularly relating to the United States and the United Kingdom.

The criminal case against Brand has drawn significant public attention, given his high profile status and past influence in British entertainment. Under UK law, defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Legal proceedings are ongoing, and the court has not yet ruled on whether the additional charges will be formally consolidated with the existing case.

Authorities have not released further details about the complainants, in line with legal protections typically afforded to individuals alleging sexual offences. The case continues to move through the judicial system, with court scheduling and procedural matters expected to shape the timeline in the coming months.