Taking the Stand: Russell Brand Testifies in His Own Defense
Russell Brand denied every charge from the witness box at his London trial. What it means when the accused testifies, how English law treats silence, and what comes next before a verdict.
October 28, 2026 · 3 min read
By Jocelyn C. Stewart
Russell Brand gave evidence on Wednesday at his rape and sexual assault trial in London. Asked about each charge, he answered no. The trial is not over, and the jury has decided nothing.
The charges. Brand, 51, faces three counts of rape, three of sexual assault and one of attempted indecent assault. They involve six women and date from 1999 to 2009, according to The Associated Press, via ClickOnDetroit, Reuters, via SRN News and CBS News. He has pleaded not guilty to all of them. These are allegations.
Where the trial stands. Reuters says the prosecution closed its case the same day, in the trial's third week. The AP describes prosecutors setting out their case "over the past two weeks." Both outlets report that prosecutors call him a sexual predator.
What he said. Brand told jurors the allegations had been "devastating" and that friends turned their backs on him, Reuters reports. The AP reports the same. He told the court consent is "absolutely non-negotiable," CBS News reports. According to the AP, he denied forcing anyone to do anything against their will.
Why testifying matters. A defendant never has to give evidence. Doing so puts his own account in front of the jury. It also opens him to cross-examination by the prosecution.
What comes next. The defense case continues. Then come closing speeches, the judge's summing-up, and deliberations. The AP, via PBS NewsHour reported the trial opened Oct. 12 and was expected to last up to 10 weeks.
Her law firm's website has an article on how the judge's instructions to a military jury can shape the defense.