Archive · 22 Jan 2026
Russell Brand Faces Rape Charges
Russell Brand, a famous actor and comedian, is in trouble because he is accused of doing very bad things to people.
He had to go to court on January 21, 2026, and he will go again on February 17, 2026.
He says he didn't do anything wrong and is happy to have a chance to prove it in a trial that will happen in the summer of 2026.
He even made a joke about a picture of him from the court, saying it was unfair.
The judge let him stay free until the trial.
Russell Brand appeared via video link from Florida at a Westminster Magistrates’ Court hearing on January 21, 2026, facing charges of rape and sexual assault.
Brand was granted bail and will next appear at a plea hearing at London’s Southwark Crown Court on February 17, 2026.
The charges relate to alleged incidents in London in 2009, in addition to previous charges he has pleaded not guilty to.
Brand has denied wrongdoing and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to defend himself in a trial set for summer 2026.
He criticized a courtroom sketch of his appearance, posting it on X/Twitter with the caption 'Never mind anything else. This court sketch is an injustice.'
- Who
- Russell Brand, actor and comedian
- What
- Facing charges of rape and sexual assault
- When
- Initial hearing on January 21, 2026; next appearance on February 17, 2026
- Where
- Westminster Magistrates’ Court, London
- Why
- Alleged incidents in 2009
- Defendant
- Russell Brand
- Charges
- Rape and sexual assault
- Initial Hearing Date
- January 21, 2026
- Next Court Appearance
- February 17, 2026
- Alleged Incidents
- 2009 in London
- Bail Status
- Granted
- Trial Date
- Summer 2026