Monday, 2 November 2026 Updated 57 min ago
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Russell Brand’s lawyer says accusations have tainted the trial

The Guardian reported that during the ongoing criminal trial of comedian Russell Brand, his defence barrister, Ian Winter KC, told the court that Brand is…

Image accompanying the story: Russell Brand’s lawyer says accusations have tainted the trial
Image: Photograph: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing/Getty Images · via The Guardian

The Guardian reported that during the ongoing criminal trial of comedian Russell Brand, his defence barrister, Ian Winter KC, told the court that Brand is not a “psychopath who rapes people and thinks it’s normal” and that he is respectful when women say no. Winter added that earlier allegations about the comedian’s sexual conduct in 2023 had “poisoned the wells” of justice. He also highlighted what he called “monstrous delays” in the women involved in the criminal case coming forward to police. The comments were made as the trial continues, with the defence seeking to challenge the impact of prior claims on the current proceedings.

Why it matters

The statements illustrate how past allegations are influencing the legal process in a high‑profile case.

Key details

Location
United Kingdom · Europe
Reported by
The Guardian
First reported
Key names
Russell Brand, Ian Winter KC
Section
World

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

Read the full story at The Guardian

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