British comedian and actor Russel Brand’s trial began on Wednesday at South Crown Court with the prosecutor describing him as a “ruthless, calculated and manipulative“ sexual predator.
Mr Brand, 51, pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault.
The prosecutor, Riel Karmy-Jones, said the actor committed the criminal offences between 1999 and 2000, when his career was beginning to hit the spotlight.
Ms Karmy-Jones told jurors that “all incidents happen in the hotel, workplace, toilet cubicle, or bar at Brand’s home address.”
She said the six alleged victims “did not know each other, had never met each other, and came forward independently.”
“His desire for some sex was indiscriminate and voracious,” Ms Karmy-Jones added.
The prosecutor brought in testimony from a former friend of Mr Brand who claimed that the actor bragged to him that he wanted to sleep with “5,000 women” in his lifetime.
The witness also said the actor had laid out “plans” to achieve it, including telling women “what they want to hear.“
The identities of the victims were not disclosed during the trial.
The defence is expected to present its case later, and the trial is expected to last six weeks.
Mr Brand arrived in court wearing a suit, striped shirt and long white tie alongside his wife Laura Gallacher.
“I feel, of course, concerned but hopeful that it will lead to a good outcome for everyone; that’s my prayer,” he told reporters as he entered the court.
Mr Brands was known in the early 2000s for hosting television programmes and BBC radio shows. He featured in Hollywood films “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Get Him to the Greek.”
He relocated to Florida and built an online presence with videos of wellness, conspiracy theories, and religious devotions.
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