Comedian Russell Brand appeared at Southwark Crown Court in London on Monday for the opening of his trial on rape and sexual assault charges. Accompanied by his wife, Laura Gallacher, and security guards, Brand faces a trial expected to last 10 to 12 weeks.
The 51-year-old has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. The alleged offences involve six women and reportedly took place between 1999 and 2009. Brand remains on bail.
Prosecutors have previously outlined allegations involving rape in a hotel room during a Labour Party conference, sexual assault of a television worker and inappropriate contact with a radio station employee.
Once a prominent television and film star, Brand has since moved to Florida and built a substantial online following through videos discussing wellness, conspiracy theories and religion. The identities of the alleged victims are protected under British law. (PTI)