Photographers crowded outside Westminster Magistrates' Court as Russell Brand stepped out of a black car. While police pushed back the press crowd, he calmly walked up to the entrance without responding. The walk was short but took more than two minutes, according to BBC.
No one is above the law, Russell Brand, shouted a man in the crowd.
The 49-year-old British comedian is charged with two rapes and several cases of sexual assault. The incidents are said to have taken place between 1999 and 2005. One rape is said to have occurred in 1999 in Bournemouth after a theater event, according to BBC.
Denies allegations
He is also charged with orally raping a female colleague in a men's toilet.
A joint investigation by The Sunday Times and Channel 4, published in September 2023, triggered the charges. There, several women came forward, alleging that Brand had assaulted them in the UK and Los Angeles.
Brand has consistently denied the allegations. In early April, he said in a video on X that he was not a rapist and that he "never had" been involved in sexual relationships that were not based on consent.
Granted bail
On Friday, Russell Brand was asked to attend a 12-minute-long hearing where he confirmed his name, address, and age. He was granted bail and also said he understood the terms of this.
He will not appear in court again until May 30, this time at the Old Bailey.
Due to backlogs in the justice system, it may take up to a year before the trial begins in earnest, writes New York Times.
