OMM Newsroom
British actor and comedian Russell Brand denied rape and sexual assault charges while testifying at a London court on Wednesday, saying the allegations had had a “devastating” impact on his life, Anadolu Agency reported.
Brand, 51, gave evidence from the witness box for more than four hours. He denied forcing any of the six alleged victims to do anything against their will.
During cross-examination by prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC, Brand acknowledged that his past behaviour had gone “beyond reckless philandering and idiocy”. He also admitted that he had “misused” his fame to facilitate sexual access, which he now recognised was wrong.
However, Brand insisted that “consent is non-negotiable”.
He faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one charge of attempted indecent assault.
The trial continues at Southwark Crown Court.
