Russell Brand Gets Trial Date After Entering His Plea For Rape Charges

Russell Brand's trial for rape and assault charges is set to commence by 2026!

The comedian's second half for next year is already booked as his trial date is now set to June 2026 following his not-guilty plea concerning his ongoing sexual assault lawsuit.

Russell Brand was accused of several incidents of sexual assault, which allegedly occurred between 1999 and 2024, involving four women.

Following the actor's not-guilty plea deal today, Friday, at a London Court, he will now attend a pre-trial review on May 20, 2026, with respect to his actual trial scheduled for June of the same year.

On Friday morning, Brand arrived at court dressed in a dark gray suit and a striped button-down shirt, which he wore unbuttoned to showcase his chest adorned with layered silver necklaces. He completed his look with aviator sunglasses, maintaining a serious demeanor as he prepared to enter his plea.

Per TMZ, Brand's conditional bail still stands, as confirmed by the presiding judge. The British celebrity had initially emphasized his innocence when the charges trickled in last month.

The consequences of Brand's alleged actions did not come in small measures, especially in his professional life. As noted by The Blast, his scheduled three-day wellness festival billed for July was quietly canceled.

The festival was reportedly centered on camping, spirituality, healthy living, and environmental discussions. Hundreds of tickets had already been sold, with prices reaching up to £210, while some early buyers snagged theirs for £160.

However, following the accusations and eventual charges, reports show that the event has been quietly canceled, with the ticket links now no longer operational. A cancellation notice on one of the ticketing platforms advised ticket purchasers to reach out via phone or email for further details.

The podcaster, while reacting to the controversial charges against him, insisted that his sexual relations have always been consensual.

In his Instagram video statement following the allegations, the podcaster expressed a belief that society is fortunate to live in a time when skepticism toward the British government is on the rise.

He further suggested that the law has become a weapon used against individuals and that knowledge is not exclusive to him. Reflecting on his past, he described himself as a "fool," a "drug and sex addict," and an "imbecile."

However, he firmly denied the label of "rapist," maintaining that he has never participated in any non-consensual activity. Brand's accusers all shared different accounts of their experience with him.

The first plaintiff accused him of raping her in a hotel room during a British Labour Party conference in 1999, while another alleged that he orally raped her in a bathroom stall at a party.

Additionally, a third woman claimed that he kissed her without consent and forcefully touched her breast and buttocks.

In an April episode of his podcast, shortly before his rape charges became official, Brand reflected on his marriage to Katy Perry, discussing the nuances of their relationship. Brand shared intimate details about the dynamics of their marriage, giving listeners a glimpse into that chapter of his life.

"What can I tell you is, when I was married to Katy Perry, she's like, not entirely normal, because she's an extraordinary, massive star­ — but she's not weird or off-key and wasn't involved in anything nefarious as far as I could tell," he shared.

Brand noted that some marriages do not work due to absolutely "normal human reason," which does not diminish his respect for the pop star in any way. He also commented on their opposing political ideologies, which he described as a normal occurrence, even for married couples. In his words:

"I obviously disagree with [Perry's] political views," Brand continued. "But I probably disagree with some of my wife's political views, my beloved wife, Laura Brand's political views. So, you know, you always disagree with people, don't ya?" 

The estranged couple tied the knot in 2010 and headed for divorce the following year, citing irreconcilable differences, per US Weekly.

Six years after his divorce from Perry, Brand married Laura Gallacher in 2017. The couple was introduced by her sister, Kirsty, who is a star at Sky Sports. The comedian had previously told Daily Mail that Laura, who was 19 when they met, loves him for who he truly is rather than his fame.

However, their relationship faced challenges, particularly from Laura's father, golf legend Bernard Gallacher, who disapproved of the significant age difference between them. A family friend revealed that Bernard even urged Laura to end the relationship due to his concerns.

They eventually reconnected in 2015, four years after Brand's divorce, and immediately moved in together. Since their wedding in 2017, Brand and Gallacher have welcomed three children.

Will Russell Brand be declared innocent or guilty at the end of his trial?