Russell Brand’s sexual crimes trial has been moved back to October after being initially slated for June.
The comedian is facing seven charges, including rape and sexual assault allegations from women he allegedly assaulted during his heyday in the industry.
Russell has repeatedly denied the claims but has admitted that he spent much of his younger years engaging in promiscuous acts.
Why Russell Brand’s Trial Was Moved To October
After nearly two years of legal back-and-forth following the first wave of sexual assault allegations against Russell Brand, the comedian had been scheduled to stand trial in June.
However, the proceedings have now been postponed until October, with the case still set to be heard at Southwark Crown Court, according to Sky News.
The delay appears to stem from additional charges added in January, bringing the total number of allegations against him to seven.
Presiding judge Justice Bennathan explained that proceeding with the original schedule could leave the court without sufficient time to properly hear all the charges.
The Summer Holiday Also Caused A Delay In The Comedian’s Rape Trial
Judge Bennathan also noted potential difficulties in securing jurors who could commit through the start of the summer holiday period, given the extended duration the new charges would add to the trial.
When Brand’s trial eventually begins, it is now expected to last up to two months, in contrast to the initially planned five-week timeline.
Ahead of the trial, a two-day pre-trial hearing will be held on June 16 and 17, where relevant matters to the case will be discussed.
The Authorities Announced Two New Charges Against Rusell Brand In December
Brand initially faced five charges related to sexual offences before two more were added after two additional women came forward.
The new charges, one count of rape and one of sexual assault, were announced by the Metropolitan Police in a press release in December.
At the time, the identities of the women were not disclosed due to UK rules on sexual assault victims, but it was noted that they were receiving support from authorities, similar to the other women already involved in the case.
It was also revealed that the alleged rape occurred sometime between February 7 and March 1, 2009, while the sexual assault allegation took place between August 31 and December 1, 2009.
In February, Brand appeared in court to enter pleas to the charges and pleaded not guilty, as he had done with the earlier accusations.
Russell Brand Was Initially Hit With Five Sexual Offenses
The first five charges against Brand were brought in April 2025, from four separate women and related to alleged incidents of rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault between 1999 and 2005.
“In 1999, a woman was raped in the Bournemouth area. In 2001, a woman was indecently assaulted in the Westminster area of London. In 2004, a woman was orally raped and sexually assaulted in the Westminster area of London. Between 2004 and 2005, a woman was sexually assaulted in the Westminster area of London,” a statement from the U.K. police read at the time.
The allegations followed a September 2023 joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4‘s Dispatches.
The Comedian Has Repeatedly Denied The Allegations
In his initial response to the first five charges, Brand showed an eagerness to defend himself and appeared to suggest that the charges were a vendetta against him by the government.
“We’re very fortunate in a way to live in a time where there’s so little trust in the British government,” he said in the April 2025 post. “We’re very fortunate, I suppose, that this is happening at a time where we know that the law has become a kind of weapon to be used against people.”
At the time, the comedian also mentioned that his former self was a “fool,” a “drug and sex addict,” and even an “imbecile,” but not a “rapist.”
“I’ve never engaged in nonconsensual activity. I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes,” Brand added.
In a subsequent appearance on his Rumble show, “Stay Free with Russell Brand,” the actor doubled down on his denial.
Brand noted that his former self was “captured by some kind of darkness,” and he was “out there having sex with everyone. However, he insisted that he always sought consent before engaging in any sexual activity.