Woman describes alleged assault by Russell Brand as 'frenzied' and 'violent'

A woman has given harrowing testimony in a London court, alleging she was raped by Russell Brand at a Soho bar in 2004. During her recorded police interview, played for the jury, she described closing her eyes and trying to mentally disassociate from the attack, stating, "I just closed my eyes and tried not to be there." She further recounted Brand displaying a "maniacal grin" that resembled a clown's "weird look in the eye" after allegedly grabbing her breasts and before pulling her into a toilet for a sexual act.

The woman is one of six complainants in the ongoing trial at Southwark Crown Court, where the 51-year-old comedian and actor faces a total of seven charges, including three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault. These allegations span a decade between 1999 and 2009. Brand has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial commenced on October 12, 2026.