Disgraced comedian Russell Brand has appeared in court to deny two new sexual assault charges filed against him in February.
Russell Brand appeared in Southwark Crown Court in London on Tuesday, February 24, where the once-revered comedian and actor pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault, including one rape charge. Brand will face court in June for five earlier charges, including two of rape, two of sexual assault, and one of indecent exposure, bringing the total to seven.
The New York Times describes Brand as “wearing a leopard-print shirt opened to the waist and standing in a plexiglass box” as he confirmed his name and entered his pleas. Both new counts stem from incidents said to have occurred in 2009, with prosecutors setting the charges in December. The five earlier charges stem from events alleged to have occurred between 1999 and 2005.
At the hearing, defense and prosecution discussed with Judge Joel Bennathan whether to add the charges to the trial due to commence on June 3, but a decision was not reached.
Brand made no public statement after his court appearance as he left clutching a bible to his chest, but has previously said he denied all charges and looked forward to clearing his name. “I’m now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court and I’m incredibly grateful for that.”
Brand is also currently facing two separate civil cases stemming from separate allegations of sexual misconduct.
Allegations of sexual abuse have dogged Brand for years. As early as 2006, Australian pop star Dannii Minogue accused Brand of inappropriate behaviour during a TV appearance, saying he was “a bit of a vile predator” and that he “wouldn’t take no for an answer”. In 2014, ex-girlfriend Jordan Martin accused Brand of sexual assault and physical and emotional abuse during their brief 2007 relationship.
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