Woman testifies Russell Brand raped her in UK court

A woman told police that Russell Brand grabbed her breasts and dragged her into a toilet at a bar in Soho, London, before allegedly raping her. She testified in Southwark Crown Court on Monday. Brand is 51 and has pleaded not guilty to all seven charges. The charges include three counts of rape, three of sexual assault and one of indecent assault.

The allegations were made by six women and cover a period from 1999 to 2009. The woman said the incident happened while she was speaking to Brand about his Channel 4 show Big Brother's Big Mouth. She said the event occurred at a birthday party at a bar. She said she waited 20 years before reporting because of fear and the 'lad culture' of the 2000s.

During cross‑examination, Brand's barrister suggested the couple had gone to the toilet for a 'kiss and a cuddle' but abandoned it because the toilet was flooded. The woman rejected that version and said Brand had held her strongly. She said she closed her eyes and tried not to be there during the alleged assault. She said she did not know at the time that an oral attack would be legally considered rape.

Brand was once a high‑profile broadcaster and former husband of singer Katy Perry. He denies all allegations. The case is being heard in Southwark Crown Court. The woman said her fear of not being believed was influenced by the 'lad culture' of the 2000s.