Key facts
- Russell Brand faces three charges of rape, three of sexual assault and one of attempted indecent assault.
- Allegations span 10 years from 1999.
- Brand admitted to misusing his fame and success to "facilitate" sexual activity.
- Laura Brand confirmed Russell Brand cheated on her early in their relationship.
- Brand was confronted with passages from his 2007 book, My Booky Wook.
- The prosecutor argued the accusers had nothing to gain and were telling the truth.
The third week of Russell Brand's trial at Southwark crown court saw the comedian testify about the "deeply traumatic episode" of the legal proceedings and admit to misusing his fame to "facilitate" sexual activity. He blamed his public downfall on media reports from 2023. Brand denied suggestions that consent was not uppermost in his mind between 1999 and 2009, stating "Consent is absolutely non-negotiable."
His wife, Laura Brand, also gave evidence, confirming their relationship began in 2006 but was marked by Brand's infidelity early on. She stated they later reconciled and married in 2017, describing him as a "wonderful father" and "amazingly attentive husband" with a "frank, honest and clear relationship."
Brand was confronted with passages from his 2007 book, My Booky Wook, and past media comments. The prosecutor argued that the six women accusing him had nothing to gain and were bravely telling the truth about their experiences.