Russell Brand is not a psychopath who rapes people and is respectful when women say no, a court has heard during closing speeches. The 51-year-old comedian is on trial at Southwark crown court facing seven offences, including rape and sexual assault, involving six women between 1999 and 2009. He denies all charges against him.
Defence Arguments and Prior Allegations
In his closing speech, Brand’s barrister, Ian Winter KC, told jurors that earlier allegations regarding the comedian’s sexual conduct in 2023 had poisoned the wells of justice. Winter argued that media reports prompted women to come forward and questioned why none of the complainants had raised their accusations during the MeToo movement. He also highlighted what he described as monstrous delays in the women reporting the matters to the police.
Winter noted that out of the numerous women Brand had sex with during the decade in question, only three accused him of rape. He told the court that living a highly promiscuous lifestyle is entirely lawful, regardless of any moral judgments. The barrister added that the complainants described Brand as normal following the alleged incidents, which he argued could not have happened if he were guilty.
Questioning the Accusers’ Actions
The defence questioned why the accusers did not fight back, scream, kick, or attempt to leave during the alleged attacks. Winter specifically asked why one woman did not slap Brand in the face or roll over and kick out during her alleged encounter.
Addressing an allegation dating back to 1999 involving a woman who claimed Brand raped her after a cabaret event in Bournemouth, Winter disputed her characterisation. The woman previously told the court that Brand left his email address and asked if she was enjoying herself after the alleged assault. Winter argued that a rapist would not ask if a victim was enjoying the act, maintaining that Brand sought approbation and adoration from women and respected them when they said no.
Earlier in the trial, prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC rejected the claim that 2023 media coverage had influenced rational women to invent or recast their experiences. On Tuesday, an allegation of indecent assault against Brand was altered to a charge of attempted indecent assault.
The trial continues at Southwark crown court.
