America’s response to gun violence is built on myths about policing, deterrence and constitutional rights, while political leaders continue to avoid the reforms most likely to save lives.

The Crown Prosecutor has described Russell Brand as a “ruthless, calculated and manipulative sexual predator” in her opening address at his trial on rape and sexual assault charges. Brand, 51, is facing trial at London’s Southwark Crown Court accused of three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault. The charges relate to six women over a 10-year period, starting from 1999. Brand has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges and says he has never engaged in non-consensual sex. Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones told the court each of the women who will give evidence during the trial did not know each other, had never met, and came forward independently of each other. “Their paths all crossed the defendant’s either through their employment, social events through work, or through attending gigs where he was performing,” she said. She said the Brand was not deterred no matter what the women did or said to try and stop him. “His desire, strong desire, for some form of sexual contact was indiscriminate and voracious,” she told the jury. “Offending took place in a number of locations: a hotel room, workplaces, a toilet cubicle, in a bar, and at his home address. Some of the women involved protested and said no; others had no opportunity to protest, but it mattered not to the defendant.” The prosecutor said Brand would be “nice when he wanted to be, funny – undoubtedly – charming, likeable even – when he wanted something in return. But then demanding, entitled, a flirt with a huge sexual appetite – childlike in his expectation that his every desire should be met.” The prosecutor described each of the alleged incidents in detail, including the first in which he allegedly raped a woman in a hotel room during the Labour Party’s annual conference in 1999. The second complainant alleges Brand tried to drag her into the men’s toilet at the office building where she worked before allegedly assaulting her. The third complainant alleges Brand orally raped her in 2004 in the toilet of a London bar. Within a minute of meeting, he grabbed her breasts and squeezed them with both hands, the court was told. The fourth complainant says Brand pushed her up against a wall at Capital Radio in either 2004 or 2005, kissing her “sloppily and aggressively” and grabbing her on the breasts and buttocks. She pushed him away. The fifth complainant alleges Brand anally raped her after they met when he was performing at the Hammersmith Apollo in London in 2009. The court was told Brand texted the woman after seeing her at an event the following summer, saying: “I wanna push you further.” She replied: “I think you pushed me far enough – you treated me like an animal.” He allegedly replied: “I’m sorry.” The final complainant accused Brand of sexual assault after he demanded a massage in 2009. He “fell to his knees and placed his head directly into her groin area”, the prosecution said. When he arrived to court on Wednesday alongside his wife Laura Gallacher, Brand told reporters: “I feel blessed.” “I feel of course concerned but hopeful that this process will lead to good outcomes for everybody involved. That’s my prayer.” ## Rebrand to right-wing conspiracy theorist and MAHA fan Brand is best known for his early career as a media personality and host with the BBC, as well as his comedy acting in films like _Forgetting Sarah Marshall_ and _Get Him to the Greek_. He also had a short-lived marriage to singer Katy Perry and was once considered quite a progressive thinker. In more recent years, Brand has transformed into one of a right-wing influencer, spouting conspiracy theories alongside “wellness” and spiritual advice to his strong online following. Just weeks ago, while on conditional bail, he appeared as a moderator on a panel at the second Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) summit in Washington, D.C. Brand has supported Robert F Kennedy Jr’s MAHA movement since it began. He appeared at the summit alongside other celebrities including former heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson. While on stage at the summit, Dr. Oz introduced Brand by saying, “Russell Brand was backstage hugging the secretary of Agriculture. But here he is …” Brand replied, making a joke about consent: “She initiated that contact, I shall make clear, doctor.” > Oz: Russell Brand was backstage hugging the Secretary of Agriculture Brand: She initiated that contact. Oz: Ha! https://t.co/c896RU5ipw > > — Acyn (@Acyn) September 29, 2026 The trial in London is ongoing and is expected to last several weeks. The defence argument will start at a later date. Share this russell brandsexual assaulttrial by Madeline Hislop 8 hours ago ## Stay Smart! Get Women's Agenda in your inbox * Instagram This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. * Email SUBSCRIBE ## Latest news ### Australia has 3 competing migration policies. The problem? None are based in evidence ### Navi Pillay won the Nobel Peace Prize. Her humility and determination are lessons for world leaders ### Infertility and miscarriage left Sharissa in a dark place. Connection helped her keep going ### Why women’s health must include the conversation about fatherhood ### Victorian Labor pledges to make abortion care free if re-elected ### Podcast: Why it’s time to quit being nice

Generative AI works a lot like fossil fuels “work”—narrowly, intermittently, and with a lot of nasty side effects.

Can the state survive the rise of AI?

These young Palestinians deserve the chance to study. Sign now to call on Irish leaders to grant their visas.

Demand justice and fair compensation for Robodebt victims

These young Palestinians deserve the chance to study. Sign now to call on Irish leaders to grant their visas.

**Indigenous Conceptions of Governance – talk by Dr Mary Graham** , University of Queensland, who is a Kombumerri person (Gold Coast) through her father’s heritage and affiliated with Wakka Wakka (South Burnett) through her mother’s people. # Dr. Mary Graham, Associate Adjunct Professor, School of Political Science and International Studies Canberra, October, 2017, 53.28 minutes, including Q & A.

With climate change and oceanic warming only worsening, the Australian government must prepare to protect marine animals and ecosystems in the future. (32233 signatures on petition)

NO DATA CENTRES IN IPSWICH — PROTECT OUR WATER, WILDLIFE & COMMUNITY

Protect sacred Djab Wurrung birthing trees from expansion of the Western Hwy by Vicroads.