Jury selection begins in Russell Brand rape and assault trial

Jury selection began at London’s Southwark Crown Court in Russell Brand’s trial on seven charges: three counts of rape, three of sexual assault and one of indecent assault, involving six women and alleged incidents from 1999 to 2009. Brand has pleaded not guilty and denies the allegations. The judge warned jurors not to research Brand and excluded prospective jurors who had seen or read earlier reporting about the allegations. The case followed a 2023 media investigation and a Metropolitan Police inquiry. Prosecutors are expected to present their case after jury selection, and the trial could last up to 10 weeks.