What Happened
Russell Brand, the 50-year-old actor and YouTuber, has entered a “not guilty” plea to two additional charges of rape and sexual assault. These charges were presented at Southwark Crown Court in London on February 24, 2026, and are reported to stem from incidents that allegedly occurred in 2009. This brings the total number of sexual assault charges against Brand to seven, based on allegations from six women.
Why It Matters
The new charges add to the serious allegations Brand has faced since last year, when he was initially charged with one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault related to incidents between 1999 and 2005. Brand’s legal troubles have garnered significant media attention, raising questions about accountability in the entertainment industry and the impact of such allegations on public figures.
What’s Next
Brand is scheduled to go to trial on June 3, 2026, for the earlier charges. The court is currently deliberating whether to include the new charges in this upcoming trial. Brand has publicly maintained his innocence, expressing a desire to clear his name and defend against the allegations in court.
