Russell Brand pleads not guilty to new sexual assault charges

Staff and wire reports, USA TODAYTue, February 24, 2026 at 10:30 PM UTC

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Russell Brand has again pleaded not guilty to new rape and sexual assault charges stemming from alleged incidents that date back nearly two decades.

Brand, 50, appeared at Southwark Crown Court in London on Feb. 24 and denied accusations of raping one woman and sexually assaulting a second woman in 2009.

As he arrived at court wearing a cheetah-print shirt unbuttoned to the middle of his chest, a dark coat, a white fedora, sunglasses and a cross necklace, Brand told reporters he was feeling "blessed."

Russell Brand arrives at London's Southwark Crown Court on Feb. 24, 2026 after further charges were added to his rape and multiple sexual assault case.

London's Metropolitan Police announced Brand's charges in a Dec. 23 press release, which did not disclose the identities of the alleged victims.

"The women who have made reports, including those connected to the two new charges, continue to receive support from specially trained officers," Detective Chief Inspector Tariq Farooqi said in a statement. "The Met's investigation remains ongoing, and detectives urge anyone affected by this case, or anyone with information, to come forward and speak with police."

What Russell Brand has said about his rape and sexual assault charges

In an Instagram video posted Dec. 23, Brand seemed to address the new charges, telling followers that "this is a time of great darkness" and calling out people who use "bureaucracy increasingly to legitimize authority."

"I feel so blessed that I have the opportunity to atone for the many things over the years that I did wrong, and the opportunity to ensure that people understand the truth of my situation and scenario," he said to the camera while driving. "I pray, Lord, that anyone that I've ever harmed or hurt in my years of mindlessness in sin would be healed. And I pray, Lord, for the absolute truth of who I am to be abundantly revealed."

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The comedian-turned YouTuber was also charged last year with two counts of rape, one count of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault against four women between 1999 and 2005. Brand, who has previously denied any wrongdoing, pleaded not guilty to those five charges in May and is due to stand trial in June.

A hearing will be held in March to decide whether the new allegations should be joined to that case, with Brand's lawyer saying his client needed more time to address the latest offences.

In recent years, the "Get Him to the Greek" star and former U.K. radio host has leaned into his newfound Christian faith and was baptized with the help of Bear Grylls in 2024. He's found success as a media personality by posting news and political commentary, which has espoused various conspiracy theories.

He has also championed 12-step programs for those experiencing addiction and celebrated 23 years of being "clean and sober" from drugs and alcohol in December.

Contributing: KiMi Robinson and Edward Segarra, USA TODAY; Michael Holden, Reuters

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support to survivors and their loved ones in English and Spanish at: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es.

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