• Russell Brand has pleaded not guilty to multiple sexual assault charges at Southwark Crown Court.
• The allegations involve four women and date back to incidents from 1999 to 2005.
• Brand's trial is scheduled for June 3, 2026, lasting approximately four to five weeks.
• He has publicly denied engaging in any non-consensual sexual activity.
• The charges were brought following a 2023 investigation by the Sunday Times and Channel 4.

Russell Brand appeared in London’s Southwark Crown Court, where he pleaded not guilty to several sexual assault charges, including two counts of rape and one of indecent assault, involving four women between 1999 and 2005. The 49-year-old comedian denied all charges as they were read, maintaining his innocence since the allegations surfaced in 2023, according to Independent and BBC.

The charges stem from various incidents: One woman claims Brand raped her during a 1999 Labour Party conference in Bournemouth, while another alleges that he indecently assaulted her in 2001. Two further allegations include oral rape in 2004 and sexual assault from 2004 to 2005. Brand faced the courtroom flanked by his lawyer, while expressing his intention to fight these allegations when the trial commences, as reported by Reuters and Los Angeles Times.

As he entered the court, Brand was notably dressed in dark clothing and was seen with a prayer book, reflecting his recent religious conversion. In a video he shared after the charges were announced, Brand stated, "What I never was, was a rapist. I've never engaged in non-consensual activity," further emphasizing his commitment to defending himself in trial, according to South China Morning Post and HuffPost.

His trial is set to begin on June 3, 2026, where it is expected to last approximately four to five weeks. He is currently out on bail while awaiting the trial, which will address the serious allegations that have emerged from a lengthy investigation by media outlets into his past conduct, detailed in NPR and CBS News.