Jury selection begins in Russell Brand sex assault trial

Jury selection began Monday at Southwark Crown Court in the trial of British comedian Russell Brand, who faces seven charges including rape, sexual assault and indecent assault involving six women, spanning 1999 to 2009. Brand, 51, has pleaded not guilty to all counts and remains free on bail.

Judge Joel Bennathan questioned 50 prospective jurors about prior exposure to a 2023 television documentary and newspaper investigation into misconduct accusations against Brand, and warned those selected against independent research. The jury is due to be sworn in Tuesday, with prosecutors expected to open their case later in the week.

Prosecutors allege incidents including a rape in a hotel room during a Labour Party conference and assaults on a television worker and a radio station employee; the accusers have lifelong anonymity under UK law. The case follows a 2023 investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4, and the Crown Prosecution Service first charged Brand in April 2025, with two further charges added in January.

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