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Russell Brand pleads not guilty to rape and sexual assault

Russell Brand pleads not guilty to rape and sexual assault

Extra.ie​5 days ago

Comedian and actor Russell Brand has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and sexual assault.
The 49-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier this month, where he heard details of allegations against him.
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. Comedian and actor Russell Brand has arrived at court to enter pleas to sex offence charges including rape and indecent assault. Pic: PA
These charges include 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.
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. The 49-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier this month where he heard details of allegations against him. Pic: PA
Another alleged victim accuses the comedian of indecent assault after he allegedly grabbed her forearm and attempted to drag her into a male toilet.
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. 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. Pic: PA
The actor was charged following an investigation by Channel 4 and the Sunday Times in which several women made allegations against him.
He previously told his 11.2 million followers on X that he welcomed the opportunity to prove his innocence.
Brand, of Hambleden, Buckinghamshire, is expected to enter pleas when he appears before the Recorder of Westminster, Judge Tony Baumgartner, on Friday.
Brand, who presented a BBC Radio 2 show between 2006 and 2008, left the role after his on-air prank, now known as Sachsgate, when he left a 'lewd' voicemail for Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs about his granddaughter.
He also presented on Big Brother spin-off shows Big Brother's Big Mouth and Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack in the noughties.
The TV and film star was married to US pop singer Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012 but is now married to Laura Gallacher, the sister of presenter Kirsty, and the pair have two children, Mabel and Peggy.

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