Brand’s defense argues encounters were consensual

Russell Brand’s defense lawyer told jurors that the comedian believed the women who accuse him of rape and sexual assault had consented, as closing arguments continued at Southwark Crown Court on November 2 and 3. The jury is expected to begin deliberating after the closing speeches conclude. Brand, 51, denies three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault involving six women. The alleged incidents took place between 1999 and 2009. The court has not yet reached a verdict. In his closing submissions, defense barrister Ian Winter argued that the complainants’ descriptions of Brand’s conduct during and after the alleged incidents supported his claim that he believed the encounters were consensual. Winter also pointed to evidence that Brand left contact details and photographs and attempted to kiss one complainant goodbye. He urged jurors to assess the evidence rather than Brand’s sexual history or their views of his lifestyle. Winter argued that publicity, including a 2023 Channel 4 documentary about allegations against Brand, had influenced the complainants’ accounts and undermined the fairness of the case. He questioned whether...