Warning: This article contains discussion of rape which some readers may find distressing.
Comedian and actor Russell Brand has arrived at court to enter pleas to sex offence charges including rape and indecent assault.
The 49-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court earlier this month, where he heard details of allegations against him – including claims that he raped a woman in a hotel room when she attended a Labour Party conference.
He is also accused of grabbing a TV worker’s breasts before dragging her into a toilet and orally raping her.
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A radio station worker alleges Brand grabbed her by the face, pushed her against a wall and kissed her before groping her breasts and buttocks.
Another alleged victim accuses the comedian of indecent assault after he allegedly grabbed her forearm and attempted to drag her into a male toilet.
He was charged by post last month with one count each of rape, indecent assault and oral rape, as well as two counts of sexual assault, relating to four separate women.
The allegations against Brand are said to have taken place against four women between 1999 and 2005.
He did not speak to reporters and looked straight ahead as he walked up to the entrance of Southwark Crown Court on Friday.
The actor was charged following an investigation by Channel 4 and the Sunday Times in which several women made allegations against him.
Brand, of Hambleden, Buckinghamshire, is expected to enter pleas when he appears before the Recorder of Westminster, Judge Tony Baumgartner, on Friday.
He previously told his 11.2 million followers on X that he welcomed the opportunity to prove his innocence.
He said: "Me, I’ve always told you guys that when I was young and single, before I had my wife and family… I was a fool man.
"I was a fool before I lived in the light of the lord. I was a drug addict, a sex addict and an imbecile, but what I never was, was a rapist. I've never engaged in non consensual activity. I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes. I want to thank all of your for your continuing support."
Brand continued: "I want to let you know that our show will be on Rumble on Monday. And of course I’m now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court and I’m incredibly grateful for that.
"In the meantime you lot, stay free, and we will be continuing to discuss this matter. Praise the lord."
As well as addressing the charges he's facing, Brand took the time to criticize the UK government.
"I'm speaking particularly to those of you that are watching this in the UK," the 49-year-old said.
"How do you feel about your legal system right now? How do you feel about some of the high-profile cases that are not being pursued and prosecuted? How do you feel that the Southport murders were handled. How do you feel about the government of Keir Starmer?"
The offences Brand has been accused of date back between 1999 and 2005, the Metropolitan Police said.
One alleged incident took place in the Bournemouth area, with the others reportedly having taken place in the Westminster area of London.
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this article, you can contact The National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800.656.HOPE (4673) available 24/7. Or you can chat online via online.rainn.org Español: rainn.org/es.
Topics: Russell Brand
Joe Yates