Russell Brand denies rape and sex assaults at crown court plea hearing today - trial not until 2026

Comedian and actor Russell Brand has today (May 30 2025) pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault charges at his second court appearance in London.

Brand, who lives between the UK and the US, 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.

He appeared for an initial hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court, where no plea was entered, and the case was transferred to crown court.

Today, Brand, 49, appeared at Southwark Crown Court when the charges were read to him.

They relate to alleged incidents involving four separate women between 1999 and 2005.

Brand pleaded not guilty to all the charges at the court today.

He has consistently denied having non-consensual sex with anyone since such allegations were first aired two years ago, in a documentary, prompting an investigation by the Met Police.

He has previously told his 11.2 million followers on X that he welcomed the opportunity to prove his innocence.

Brand was told at the brief hearing that he will stand trial in June 2026.