Prosecutor Calls Russell Brand a ‘Sexual Predator’ as London Trial Opens

A British prosecutor described Russell Brand as a “ruthless,” “calculated” and “manipulative” sexual predator on Wednesday as the comedian’s rape and sexual assault trial opened at Southwark Crown Court in London.

Brand, 51, faces three charges of rape, three of sexual assault and one of indecent assault involving six women. The alleged offenses occurred between 1999 and 2009 in locations including a hotel room, workplaces, a bar toilet cubicle and Brand’s home. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC told jurors that Brand had an “indiscriminate and voracious” desire for sexual contact and was not deterred when women objected or had no opportunity to respond. She said he could be charming when seeking something in return but became demanding and entitled.

The prosecution alleged that Brand ignored one woman’s pleas to stop during an attack that left her bleeding and in pain, and raped another after telling her not to be a “spoilsport.” The earliest allegation dates to the 1999 Labour Party conference in Bournemouth, where Brand allegedly raped a woman in a hotel after meeting her at a cabaret performance.

Jurors were also told that Brand had spoken of wanting to have sex with 5,000 women and allegedly said his strategy was to tell women “what they need to hear.” The trial is continuing.