Pop CultureTRIAL OPENS

Russell Brand rape trial opens; six complainants named in court

The comedian and actor faces charges including rape and sexual assault from six female complainants who have never met each other, a court has been told.

On air: Chip Darnell and Kenji Moonfield on The Five O'Clock
Published 5:09 PM ET, Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Photo: Nevilley at en.wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN, shared under CC BY-SA 3.0

Photo: Old Bailey — Photo: Nevilley at en.wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN, shared under CC BY-SA 3.0

At a glance

First reported by BBC: “Russell Brand was a 'sexual predator', prosecution alleges as rape trial begins”.
Covered on BBN on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 5:09 PM ET on The Five O'Clock, by Chip Darnell and Kenji Moonfield.
Topics: Keri Russell.
BBN covered this story before: Russell T Davies criticises BBC boss's 'clumsy' AI Doctor Who comments (October 14).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

BBCRussell Brand was a 'sexual predator', prosecution alleges as rape trial begins

What BBN said about it

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThe rape trial of comedian and actor Russell Brand has begun in London, and the prosecution told the court he was a sexual predator, which he is alleged to be.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentThe court heard charges from six women who have never met each other, and the case is only just starting.

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