UK comic Russell Brand pleads not guilty to new rape, sex assault charges

British comedian and actor Russell Brand pleaded not guilty in a London court to two new charges of rape and sexual assault, allegedly committed in 2009. The accusations involve two additional women, separate from previous charges. Brand was already facing five charges of rape and sexual assault from incidents between 1999 and 2005, to which he also pleaded not guilty last year. A hearing is scheduled next month to determine if the new allegations will be combined with the existing case, which is set for trial in June. Brand, who rose to prominence in the UK as a comedian and broadcaster, has denied all allegations.

British comedian and actor Russell Brand pleaded not guilty in a London court to two new charges of rape and sexual assault, allegedly committed in 2009. The accusations involve two additional women, separate from previous charges. Brand was already facing five charges of rape and sexual assault from incidents between 1999 and 2005, to which he also pleaded not guilty last year. A hearing is scheduled next month to determine if the new allegations will be combined with the existing case, which is set for trial in June. Brand, who rose to prominence in the UK as a comedian and broadcaster, has denied all allegations.

Russell Brand pleaded not guilty to two additional sexual offences, including rape, at Southwark Crown Court. The charges relate to alleged incidents in 2009 involving two women. This is in addition to five other sexual offence charges, dating from 1999 to 2005, to which he previously pleaded not guilty. Brand's appearance included confirming his name and pleas. A further case management hearing is scheduled for March, and his bail was renewed under existing conditions. The charges stem from an investigation by Channel 4 and the Sunday Times, following allegations made by several women. Brand denies all allegations, claiming his relationships were consensual.