Russell Brand says allegations had a devastating impact on him

At his trial at Southwark Crown Court in London, Russell Brand said a 2023 documentary and allegations about his behaviour had a “devastating” effect on him and caused friends and colleagues to turn away. The 51-year-old faces three rape counts, three sexual assault counts and one attempted indecent assault charge involving six complainants and alleged offences between 1999 and 2009; he denies all charges. Giving evidence, he said consent was fundamental and denied the allegations, including an alleged rape at a 1999 Labour Party conference. He also told the court that, after the investigations were published, he was barred from staying with his son at Great Ormond Street Hospital while the child underwent open-heart surgery.