Russell Brand faces rape and sexual assault trial
The British Broadcasting Corporation reports that Russell Brand was described as "ruthless" and a "sexual predator" by the prosecution at the start of his trial for rape and sexual assault on Wednesday.
The 51-year-old actor and comedian faces three counts of rape, three charges of sexual assault, and one of indecent assault. These allegations, made by six female complainants, span a 10-year period between 1999 and 2009. He denies the charges.
Key Points:
- No connection between complainants: Riel Karmy-Jones KC, for the prosecution, stated that the women "did not know each other", "have never met each other", and "came forward independently".
- Varied circumstances: The prosecution described the offenses as "as wide and as varied as the defendant's career."
- Indiscriminate and voracious sexual appetite: Brand's desire for sexual contact was "indiscriminate and voracious", according to the prosecutor, who noted he would be "nice when he wanted to be... charming... demanding... entitled... [with] a huge sexual appetite."
- Lack of remorse: The prosecution claimed Brand showed "no regard" for his victims, leaving after encounters without acknowledging what had occurred.
The trial continues.