Russell Brand gives evidence in UK sex crimes trial
Michael Holden |
British comedian and actor Russell Brand has told a London court that a documentary making allegations about his behaviour has had a devastating effect on him, making friends and colleagues turn against him.
Brand, once a regular figure on British television and star of a number of Hollywood movies, is on trial accused of three counts of rape, three of sexual assault and an attempted indecent assault involving six women between 1999 and 2009.
The 51-year-old former husband of US singer Katy Perry denies all the allegations.
Appearing in the witness box in the third week of his trial at London’s Southwark Crown Court, Brand said “no” loudly and clearly when his lawyer asked him if he had committed any of the alleged crimes.
The jury has previously been told how all the complainants came forward to detectives after a documentary was broadcast in 2023 along with a number of newspaper articles in which anonymous allegations were made by other women who are not involved in the trial.
Asked by his lawyer Ian Winter on Wednesday what impact the documentary had had on his friends turning their back on him, Brand said: “It was devastating.”
Winter questioned whether he had been able to persuade any friend or acquaintance who might have been able to give evidence on his behalf to appear in court.
Brand, wearing a black suit with an open neck white shirt and a loose black tie, replied: “I have not.”
Winter asked: “Will they touch you with a bargepole?”
Brand said: “No.”
The trial continues.
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Reuters