Russell Brand, 51, faces a weekslong London trial starting Monday on charges of rape, sexual assault and indecent assault. Prosecutors allege the incidents involved six women between 1999 and 2009, a period when Brand rose to fame as a standup comedian and television presenter. Brand has repeatedly denied the charges, telling Megyn Kelly last year that all his past behavior "was consensual and therefore noncriminal." He previously pleaded not guilty in two earlier hearings.
The trial begins with jury selection on Monday. Prosecutors and Brand's legal team will deliver opening arguments later in the week, with the first witnesses expected Oct. 19. The proceedings are scheduled to last up to 10 weeks, possibly yielding a verdict in December.
In Britain, accusers have lifelong anonymity, restricting media coverage to only courtroom events to prevent jury bias. Full details of the accusations are expected to emerge as the trial progresses.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing