Four the Record: Russell Brand on Trial

Russell Brand has spent his first night in a prison cell after the jury of eight men and four women found him unanimously guilty of one rape and three sexual assaults. For years, Russell Brand was one of Britain's biggest comedy stars. But behind the scenes, many say his behaviour was an open secret. Shappi Khorsandi worked with Brand in the early stages of his career. She speaks to Minnie Stephenson about what she witnessed, her understanding of his behaviour towards women, and the wider culture of the comedy industry at the time. She also talks to Minnie about her own experience of sexual assault - not by Russell Brand - while working in comedy. Brand faced seven charges - including three of rape, three of sexual assault and one of attempted indecent assault - and he denied them all. He was found guilty of one rape and three sexual assaults. Brand has always said he has only had consensual sex. 

Russell Brand has been found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault after a 4 week-long trial. The jury took eight hours and 30 minutes to deliberate on a verdict. Mr Justice Bennathan ruled that Brand must be remanded into custody until sentencing on Monday, and told him to expect a prison sentence of 'some length'.  Culture Correspondent Minnie Stephenson talks to Sachelle Connor about the verdict, how Russell Brand reacted in the court room – and what comes next.  

It's Day 16 of Russell Brand's rape trial in London; the final day of proceedings before the jury begins its deliberations. In this episode, Culture Correspondent Minnie Stephenson is joined by producer Sachelle Connor to break down what the jury heard in court today. They also look back at the trial as a whole, examining some of its key moments and the evidence heard over the past 16 days. Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault. He denies all charges. Warning: this episode contains descriptions of alleged sexual assault and rape. 

Warning: This episode includes graphic descriptions of alleged rape and sexual assault.   It's day 15 and Brand's defence barrister Ian Winter KC delivered his closing speech to the court. He said a Channel 4 documentary and stories published in the Times and Sunday Times that made allegations about Brand in 2023, "poisoned the well of justice" by prompting the accusers in this case to come forward.  In this episode, Culture Correspondent Minnie Stephenson breaks down everything the jury heard today with producer Sachelle Connor.   Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault. He denies all charges.  

Warning: This episode includes graphic descriptions of alleged rape and sexual assault.  It's day 14 of Russell Brand's rape trial in London and today his defence team finished setting out their case and the prosecution barrister presented her closing arguments.  Ms Riel Karmy-Jones told the court that Brand saw one accuser, Woman E, as: "just a hole, a number to add to his 5,000 notches that he was marking up".  She also described his alleged victims as, 'the amusements in his playground of orgasms'.  Ms Karmy-Jones also told the court: “Six women who have nothing to gain, who have not sought the limelight, who have not looked out for some form of publicity, who have not taken part in a documentary, not made claims for compensation. In this episode, Culture Correspondent Minnie Stephenson breaks down everything the jury heard today with producer Sachelle Connor.  Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault. He denies all charges.