The story so far
- Russell Brand Goes on Trial Over Rape Charges18 sources
- Russell Brand Rape Trial Opens; Prosecutors Call Him PredatorYou are hereLatest
Updated 2h ago · Crime
Russell Brand Rape Trial Opens; Prosecutors Call Him Predator
Prosecutors opened their rape and sexual assault case against Russell Brand on Wednesday in London. Brand has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
- 3 rape counts, 3 sexual assault counts and 1 indecent assault count.
- 6 women bring the allegations, covering 1999 to 2009.
- Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones called Brand "ruthless" and "a sexual predator."
- Ian Winter KC leads the defense. Mr Justice Bennathan presides.
Why it matters: Karmy-Jones told jurors the six women do not know each other and came forward independently. British law keeps their identities anonymous for life.
- Alleged settings include a hotel room, workplaces, a bar toilet and Brand's home.
- Prosecutors cited a former friend who said Brand aimed to sleep with 5,000 women.
How 18 sources split on this story
Source landscape
Factuality
High
Mixed
Low
Strong LeftLeftLean LeftCenterLean RightRightStrong Right
Political Bias
Coverage by lean
18 sources · 27 articles · 45% Left coverage
Center coverage, 6 sources: The center pairs the prosecution's allegations with procedural detail and Brand's denial and public statements.
Deadline7hRussell Brand’s Accusers: Prosecutors Claim ‘Despicable Me’ Star Preyed On Women In TV Industry During “Frenzied” & “Wild-Eyed” IncidentsCTV News12hProsecution labels actor a ruthless sexual predator at opening of his sex assault trialWPLG Local 1013hUK prosecution labels Russell Brand a ruthless sexual predator at opening of his sex assault trialBBC News9hRussell Brand was a 'sexual predator', says prosecution as rape trial beginsUSA Today8hRussell Brand breaks silence on rape trial amid 'ruthless predator' claimWSB-TV Atlanta7hRussell Brand trial: Prosecutor calls actor ‘ruthless’ and ‘sexual predator’
Left coverage, 8 sources: The left centers the prosecution's opening portrait of Brand as a ruthless and calculating predator.
The Independent6hRussell Brand was a ‘manipulative’ predator with a ‘voracious’ sexual appetite, court toldVariety13hRussell Brand Rape Trial: He Was 'Ruthless and Calculated,' Prosecution SaysCNN8hUK prosecution labels Russell Brand a ruthless sexual predator at opening of his sex assault trialHollywood Reporter9h“Ruthless, Sexual Predator”: Russell Brand Rape Allegations Detailed as Prosecution Opens CaseLos Angeles Times10hRussell Brand's U.K. sexual assault trial begins: What to knowNBC News12hProsecutor calls Russell Brand a ‘ruthless’ sexual predator at trialRolling Stone8h‘Ruthless and Calculated’: Opening Statements Begin in Russell Brand Rape TrialThe Guardian9hRussell Brand was ruthless, calculated and manipulative sexual predator, court told
Right4 sources
New York Post8hRussell Brand rape accuser 'assumed he was gay' until he stripped to 'budgie-smuggler' undies: trialDaily Mail4hRussell Brand is a ruthless 'sexual predator' who raped victims while pursuing a 'goal' of bedding 5,000 women, court hearsOne America News14hUK prosecution labels Russell Brand a ruthless sexual predator at opening of his sex assault trialThe Sun2h‘He treated me like an animal’…Every claim made at Brand ‘rape’ trial as he ‘abused 6 women to satisfy sexual appetite’
What’s next: The jury of eight men and four women was sworn in Tuesday. The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks.
- The judge excluded potential jurors who had seen a 2023 Channel 4 documentary about Brand.
- Jurors were warned that researching Brand online is a criminal offense.
- How will the defense answer the prosecution's account of the six allegations?
- Will Brand testify in his own defense?
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