Russell Brand Pleads Not Guilty To Additional Rape And Sexual Assault Charges

British broadcaster and actor Russell Brand has pleaded not guilty to two new charges of rape and sexual assault during a court appearance at Southwark Crown Court in London. The alleged offences are said to have occurred in 2009 and involve two women, according to prosecutors.

The 50-year-old media personality had previously denied multiple allegations, including two counts of rape, one of indecent assault and two of sexual assault linked to incidents said to have taken place between 1999 and 2005 in London and Bournemouth. A trial over the earlier charges is already scheduled for June.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Brand confirmed his identity and entered fresh not-guilty pleas. The court also heard that a future hearing will determine whether the new allegations will be combined with the existing case, as his legal team requested more time to review the additional claims.

Judge Andrew Baumgartner fixed a case management hearing for March, while Brand was granted bail pending further proceedings. No date has yet been set for his next full appearance in court.