The trial in which Russell Brand faces charges of rape and sexual assault has been postponed until October 2026.
The 50-year-old British actor, radio and television presenter, and podcast host is charged with three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault. The allegations were made by six women and relate to incidents said to have occurred between 1999 and 2009. Brand has denied all accusations.
He was first charged in April 2025 following complaints from four women. The trial had originally been scheduled to begin on June 16, 2026, at Southwark Crown Court.
Additional charges were brought in January this year following complaints from two more women, leading to the consolidation of the case.
At a hearing held on Monday, Judge Joel Bennathan approved a request to delay the start of the trial until October 12, 2026. Brand did not attend the hearing and was represented by his lawyer, Ian Winter KC.
The British actor has previously appeared in court twice, where he entered not guilty pleas to all charges.
The trial, initially expected to last between four and five weeks, is now estimated to run for approximately two months following the addition of new allegations.
According to earlier hearings, Brand is accused of raping a woman in a hotel room during a Labour Party conference in Bournemouth. He is also alleged to have inappropriately touched a television presenter and later sexually assaulted her in a men’s restroom, as well as committing similar acts against a radio station employee.
Brand, who owns a residence in Buckinghamshire, currently lives in the United States and has been granted bail during the criminal proceedings.
Born in 1975 in Essex, east of London, he began his career as a stand-up comedian in his youth. He later gained prominence for his provocative style before establishing himself in film and television, and more recently as a podcast host and online personality with a large following.
He was married to Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012.