Credited from: REUTERS
British comedian and actor Russell Brand pleaded not guilty in a London court to two additional charges of rape and sexual assault that date back nearly two decades. Brand appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, denying accusations of raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in 2009, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.
Brand, who has previously faced charges related to other incidents involving four women from 1999 to 2005, has continuously denied these accusations. He is set to stand trial in June for the earlier charges, while a hearing next month will determine if the new allegations will be added to that case, reports CBS News and Reuters.
At the court appearance, Brand, now 50 years old and dressed in a flamboyant outfit, arrived carrying a Bible, suggesting a significant personal transformation, as he indicated in 2024 that he has embraced Christianity. He stated to reporters that he felt "blessed," according to Al Jazeera and CBS News.
Brand's previous career highlights include appearances as an MTV presenter and starring roles in films like "Get Him to the Greek." However, his public persona has shifted significantly over the years, with Brand now largely engaging with audiences online, as noted by Reuters and CBS News.