Accusers had no motive, prosecutor says in Russell Brand trial

Brand, 51, faces seven charges, including rape and sexual assault, stemming from allegations spanning a decade from 1999. He denies all charges.

The prosecutor refuted claims that a 2023 Dispatches documentary had unduly influenced the women, stating they possessed “vivid recollections” and bravely shared their experiences to reveal “the truth” after discovering they were not alone.

Karmy-Jones highlighted a common thread in the women’s accounts, describing a shift in Brand’s demeanor prior to the alleged assaults. “Listen to their accounts,” she urged the jury. “Many said he was nice and then it was like there was a personality change. A pivot. His eyes changed, he snapped from charming to frightening and nasty.”

The prosecutor also accused Brand of using “gaslighting” tactics, such as requesting contact information from some accusers after the alleged incidents. She characterized women as a “disposable commodity” to Brand, suggesting he acted on a desire for sexual contact “whenever he wished, whenever he pleased.”

A witness, a fan in her early 20s at the time, recounted an alleged anally rape at Brand’s London townhouse following a meeting at the Hammersmith Apollo in 2009. The prosecutor suggested Brand was focused on his “birthright orgasm” and disregarded her protests.

The prosecution suggested Brand displayed a “flavour of disdain” towards the allegations, reflecting a broader disregard for women. Karmy-Jones referenced a 2017 interview where Brand described women as “amusements” in his “playground of orgasms.”

Mr Justice Bennathan provided legal directions to the jury on Friday, noting they would consider “rival arguments.” Ian Winter KC, Brand’s barrister, is scheduled to deliver his closing speech on Monday. The trial continues.