The ongoing criminal trial of entertainer Russell Brand continued this week with testimony from friends of one of the women accusing him of sexual assault. During the court proceedings, a close associate of the complainant recounted details the alleged victim shared following an incident in 2009.
The witness, testifying via video link, explained that she had accompanied the complainant to a comedy performance at the Hammersmith Apollo in London. Following the show, the two women received an invitation backstage to the dressing room of the defendant.
According to the testimony, the complainant visited the entertainer's residence in Hampstead shortly after that initial meeting, having been transported there in a vehicle arranged by him. When the two friends spoke about the encounter shortly afterward, the witness described the complainant as deeply distressed and weeping.
The court heard that the complainant described the entertainer's behavior during the visit as forceful and aggressive. The witness stated that her friend reported experiencing severe physical pain during the alleged assault. When the witness specifically asked whether the complainant had verbally refused the advances, the reply was that she had objected repeatedly.
Another friend of the same complainant also took the stand to share details of what she had been told. This witness stated that the complainant reported telling the defendant to stop during the attack. Furthermore, the testimony indicated that the aftermath of the event was particularly distressing, with the complainant stating that the defendant showed a cold demeanor and wanted her to leave quickly.
The second witness recalled advising the complainant to seek medical attention due to physical injuries and discomfort, as well as considering consulting her family and reporting the matter to law enforcement authorities. However, the court was told that the complainant felt hesitant and overwhelmed at the time, believing that pursuing the matter further might not lead anywhere.
Russell Brand, 51, faces a total of seven criminal charges in the current legal proceedings, encompassing allegations of three rapes, three sexual assaults, and a single count of indecent assault. The charges involve six different women and cover a decade-long timeframe stretching from 1999 to 2009. The defendant has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to all allegations brought against him. The trial is scheduled to continue hearing evidence from witnesses.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.
