Friend of Alleged Rape Victim Testifies in Russell Brand Trial Regarding Alleged Assault

According to the BBC UK, the friend of a woman who claims Russell Brand raped her informed a jury that the complainant told her after the alleged assault that it caused 'really, really hurt'. The witness, who provided testimony via video link during the trial, stated that she had attended the Hammersmith Apollo theatre in London with the alleged victim in 2009, where they were invited into the defendant's dressing room following his comedy performance.

Statements from the woman's parents were also presented in court, indicating that their daughter had disclosed the alleged attack to them and expressed significant concern regarding HIV. Brand, who is 51 years old, has maintained his plea of not guilty to all seven charges, which include three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault. The allegations span a 10-year period from 1999 to 2009 and involve six female complainants.

The witness recounted that the woman mentioned visiting Brand's residence in London shortly after their meeting at the theatre, and that Brand subsequently arranged for a car to transport the woman to his place in Hampstead. When discussing the events shortly thereafter, the witness stated that the woman was crying and very upset.

The witness further testified that Brand allegedly forced the woman into anal sex at the conclusion of an encounter that had initially begun consensually. The witness relayed that the woman's friend had told her that Brand was quite aggressive, stating, 'He forcibly put it in my bum and "it really really hurt"'. When the witness recalled specifically asking the complainant if she had said no to Brand at the beginning of the alleged attack, the witness reported that the woman responded 'lots of times'. The witness also mentioned that the woman told her she was in a great deal of pain and that she was unable to sit down.

Another friend of the same complainant also offered evidence to the court. This individual told the jury that her friend had informed her that she had told Brand to stop during the alleged rape. This friend added that the most distressing part, according to her friend, occurred after the act, when Brand allegedly told her that she had been dirty and needed to clean up her mess, adding that he seemed cold and eager to make her leave.

The witness shared that she had advised her friend after she confided in her, suggesting that she seek medical examination due to anal tears and discomfort, and to seek guidance from her parents and the police. However, the witness noted that her friend was uncertain, describing her state of mind as chaotic and feeling that pursuing the matter was not worth it. The witness informed the jury that the complainant did not believe she would be believed, nor did she believe it would be worth going through the process.

Statements from the alleged rape victim's parents indicated that their daughter remained with them for approximately two months following the alleged incident with Brand. The mother's statement included her recollection of her daughter stating, 'he raped me,' and that she was very worried about HIV, noting that her daughter began discussing this during a car ride. The father recalled his daughter being very upset and unwell during their time together, noting that she was distressed by something that had happened to her. The father stated that his daughter told him that during sexual activity, she had asked him to stop and kept saying she had been assaulted. When the father asked her in the car if she had asked him to stop, she reportedly said 'no' several times. He responded by stating, 'you have been raped, that's rape.' He mentioned that his daughter received a sexual health check and that he had only recently learned of her accusations against Brand regarding anal rape.

The woman's former boyfriend also provided testimony, telling the court that she became very upset whenever she discussed her encounter with Brand, characterizing it as an assault and calling it rape. Brand's barrister, Ian Winter KC, cross-examined the woman's former boyfriend and referenced parts of a statement he provided in June 2025, in which he claimed the woman had agreed to anal sex. When questioned about this, the witness confirmed that he had said so, adding that the woman had 'surrendered to the idea.' The witness further stated that if one were being attacked, either one fights back or surrenders, and that this does not negate the attack. Judge Mr Justice Bennathan adjourned the jury until Monday morning at the conclusion of Thursday's evidence, stating that the aim was to conclude the prosecution's case on Monday, with the defense case not scheduled to commence before Tuesday morning.