Woman testifies in Russell Brand rape and sexual assault trial in London
publishers 80articles 104first reported 12 Oct, 06:30 UTCdeveloping since 12 Oct · 11 editions
A woman accusing British comedian and actor Russell Brand of rape told a London court Thursday that she repeatedly said no and was unable to fight back during an alleged assault in a hotel room in 1999.
The woman testified at Southwark Crown Court that she met Brand at a cabaret show during the UK Labour Party conference and invited him to her room to continue a conversation about politics. She said she believed Brand was gay and felt “sexually safe” with him before he forced himself on her. Under cross-examination, she rejected suggestions that she had wanted a sexual encounter or could have left the room, saying she was terrified and had nowhere to run.
Brand, 51, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault involving six women. The alleged offences occurred between 1999 and 2009.
In opening statements Wednesday, prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones described Brand as “ruthless, calculated and manipulative” and called him a “sexual predator.” She told jurors that some of the women protested while others had no opportunity to react, alleging that Brand was not deterred by their responses. The allegations concern incidents said to have occurred in locations including hotel rooms, workplaces, a bar toilet and Brand’s home.
A jury of eight men and four women was selected earlier in the week. The trial is expected to last about six weeks.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 5 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 78 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 80
- Source articles
- 104
- Given to the writer
- 8, 5 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 8
- This version written
- 78 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
- Publication gate
- passed
- Human review
- none
WHAT THE EDITOR DID
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