Remember when Russell Brand was all shaggy hair, tight jeans, and outrageous one-liners? Yeah, that guy. Fast forward to 2025 and he’s not just stirring controversy—he’s standing trial for multiple serious sexual assault charges. It’s messy, it’s shocking, and it’s very much still happening.
If you’ve seen the headlines and thought, wait, what exactly is going on?, here’s everything you need to know to catch up on the drama that’s rocked Brand’s post-Hollywood reinvention.
It Started with a Bang (and not the kind he used to brag about)
In 2023, a joint investigation dropped some serious bombshells. Four women came forward accusing Russell of sexual assault, controlling behaviour, and worse. The alleged incidents took place between 2006 and 2013—but the story didn’t stop there. Suddenly, more voices started coming out of the woodwork, and the vibe went from “uh-oh” to “oh, this is serious”.
While Russell denied everything, saying all his relationships were consensual, police launched a proper investigation. And then? Well, it all escalated.
In April 2025, Russell was charged with five offences. These aren’t small things—we’re talking one count of rape, one of oral rape, one of indecent assault, and two sexual assaults. The alleged incidents stretch all the way back to 1999 and involve four different women.
Here’s the rough timeline:
- 1999: Alleged rape in a Bournemouth hotel.
- 2001: Indecent assault in London.
- 2004: Alleged oral rape in Soho.
- 2004–2005: Two more alleged assaults in Westminster.
And just to be clear—Russell says he’s innocent. He’s pleaded not guilty to everything, insisting that yeah, he used to be a bit wild, but he’s never done anything non-consensual.
Russell’s Big Day in Court
He first appeared in court in early May and was granted bail. A few weeks later, he rocked up at Southwark Crown Court looking very on-brand: flowy black shirt, rosary beads, and what looked like a pocket prayer book.
The court date? Locked in for June 3, 2026, at the Old Bailey. Yep, that’s over a year away—but the wheels are in motion, and it’s shaping up to be a high-profile trial.
Just when things couldn’t get more intense, a civil lawsuit landed from across the pond. A woman who worked as an extra on Russell’s 2011 film Arthur claims he assaulted her on set. It’s being filed under a U.S. law that gives adult survivors of assault more time to seek justice.
So that’s now two major cases hanging over him—one criminal, one civil.
What’s he Saying About all This?
He’s not exactly staying quiet. Russell’s posted several videos claiming the media’s out to get him. He says this is a hit job because he dares to challenge the system (he’s gone big on conspiracy theories in recent years), and that he’s being unfairly targeted.
Still, he insists everything he’s ever done was with consent, and he’s preparing for what he calls “a proper legal process” where the truth will come out.
As you’d expect, it’s not just the courts that have had enough. Brand’s been dropped left, right and centre. He lost brand deals (ironic, right?), charity ambassadorships, and even got pulled from a meditation app.
Even some of his biggest fans have gone quiet. He’s still got a loyal online crew, but the days of mainstream gigs and chat show appearances? Those are well and truly over.
Russell’s kept things pretty low-key on the family front. He’s been spotted in Florida with his wife and kids, seemingly trying to stay out of the UK limelight. But his name is still very much in the headlines.
And then there’s what people who used to know him are saying. One ex-flatmate described him as having a “split personality” when he did something wrong—apparently his “eyes went dead”. Creepy doesn’t even cover it.
So, What Next?
Get comfortable, because we’ve got a bit of a wait. The trial isn’t until next summer, almost 12 months away, but there’ll be plenty happening in the run-up:
- More court hearings and prep behind the scenes.
- Potential updates on the New York civil case.
- And maybe, just maybe, a few more twists in this already jaw-dropping saga.
Whether you once loved Russell Brand’s chaotic charm or thought he was always a bit too much, there’s no denying the seriousness of what he’s facing now. This isn’t a reputation wobble—it’s the kind of case that could define (or end) a public figure’s career completely.
Stay tuned—because something tells me this story’s far from over.