Russell Brand trial opens in London on seven charges

Russell Brand’s criminal trial opened at Southwark Crown Court in London on October 12, 2026, with the comedian and actor facing seven charges involving six women. Brand has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The allegations have not been tested to a verdict, and the trial is now before a jury process. The charges comprise three counts of assault, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. The alleged conduct spans 1999 to 2009, according to the charges reported in court coverage. The Crown Prosecution Service brought the charges following a Metropolitan Police investigation. Jury selection was expected to begin on the first day of proceedings. Opening arguments by the prosecution and defense were tentatively scheduled for October 14. Reports said the trial could last up to 10 weeks; another description put the possible duration at up to two months. Brand arrived at court accompanied by his wife, Laura Gallacher, and did not speak to reporters as he entered, according to accounts from outside the courthouse. He is on bail while the case proceeds.