Russell Brand Trial: Comedian Tells Police He Led 'Very Promiscuous' 2026

Russell Brand told police he led a “very promiscuous” life and that his consensual sexual encounters had been “unfavourably reframed decades later,” his trial at Southwark Crown Court in London heard on Tuesday. The 51-year-old comedian and actor is accused of seven offences against six women, spanning a 10-year period from 1999. He denies all charges.

Brand sat in the dock wearing a grey suit and pale blue shirt as his statements to police were read to the jury. The court heard that Brand was interviewed four times between November 2023 and July 2025, during which he read prepared statements insisting he had “never engaged in any non-consensual sexual activity.”

Brand Blames Media Reports for 'Defamatory and Fictitious' Allegations

In his first statement on 16 November 2023, Brand said: “I led a very promiscuous life in the past, which I have spent years openly denouncing.” He referenced joint reporting by Channel 4, The Times, and The Sunday Times, adding: “On 16 September 2023, a defamatory and fictitious documentary was broadcast in conjunction with the publication of two national newspapers containing false, anonymised allegations which led to unprecedented media reporting.”

Brand told police he had sexual encounters in “countless locations and scenarios” and had kissed “hundreds of people in public” while trying to be “friendly, consensual and warm.” He described the allegations as stemming from “defamatory and fictitious” media reports.

What Brand Told Police in Four Interviews

The jury heard that Brand was interviewed under caution four times over a period of nearly two years. In each interview, he read a prepared statement and denied any wrongdoing. The prosecution alleges that Brand committed seven offences against six women between 1999 and 2009.

Brand’s defence appears to hinge on the argument that his sexual encounters were consensual and that the allegations have been distorted by media coverage. The trial continues.

Key Takeaways from the Trial So Far

• Russell Brand is accused of seven offences against six women between 1999 and 2009.
• He denies all charges and says his encounters were consensual.
• Brand was interviewed four times by police between November 2023 and July 2025.
• He blames “defamatory and fictitious” media reports for the allegations.
• The trial is taking place at Southwark Crown Court in London.

Why This Trial Matters

The trial of Russell Brand is one of the most high-profile celebrity sexual assault cases in recent UK history. It comes amid a broader reckoning in the entertainment industry over allegations of sexual misconduct. The outcome could have significant implications for how such cases are reported and prosecuted.

Brand’s statements to police reveal his defence strategy: that his promiscuous lifestyle was consensual and that the allegations are a result of media sensationalism. The prosecution will need to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the encounters were non-consensual.

What to Watch Next

The trial is expected to continue for several weeks. The jury will hear from witnesses and see further evidence. Brand himself may take the stand. The court will also consider the impact of media coverage on the case.

As the trial unfolds, it will be important to follow reliable sources for updates. For a deeper look at the allegations, see our coverage of the Russell Brand rape trial and the sexual predator claims heard in court. The case has also raised questions about how the media reports on such allegations, as explored in our article on the woman who screamed in pain, court hears.

For those following other high-profile trials, our coverage of the Alan Jones trial and teen correspondence provides a comparative perspective on how courts handle historical abuse allegations. Similarly, the Alan Jones trial where a teen feared losing money highlights the complexities of consent and power dynamics.

In another case, the Melbourne rape trial where the alleged victim sought wealth shows how financial motivations can be scrutinized in court. These cases collectively underscore the challenges of prosecuting historical sexual offences and the importance of fair trial proceedings.

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