Russell Brand trial begins

A woman testified in court that Russell Brand raped her 'like a zombie on the bed' during a 1999 Labour Party conference.

“He raped me. I said, "No I don't want this".”

Brand accused of multiple sexual offenses

Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault, which he denies.

Victim describes Brand's transformation

The victim said Brand changed from a friendly person to a 'monster' after hours of chatting about a theatre production.

“He changed from this person who is camp and effeminate and friendly to monster-like.”

Brand's alleged behavior at hotel

Brand stripped to the waist and demanded photos of him semi-naked, telling the victim she'd 'have to learn to enjoy it'.

“He said, "Let yourself into it, let yourself enjoy it, do not worry about shame and reputation".”

Victim's physical experience

The victim described being unable to breathe, struggling to push Brand off, and feeling 'like a zombie on the bed'.

“I felt dirty. I felt like i was choking. It was like him insisting i enjoy something when i did not want it.”

Brand's escape after assault

Brand left the hotel claiming he had to see his mother, writing down his email to appear 'family-friendly'.

“He got up. He didn't think he had done anything wrong. I remember him writing down his email.”

Victim's aftermath

The victim missed a train due to pain, spent years blaming herself, and only reported the assault after watching a 2023 Dispatches program.

“I was in so much pain i missed a train because i could not lift my suitcase.”

Court defense challenges

Defending lawyer accused the victim of lying about being 'under the spell' of Brand's 'magnetic' persona.

“He was magnetic. I was under his spell.”

Victim's testimony on self-blame

The victim admitted she second-guessed herself, believing she was to blame for letting Brand into her hotel room.

“Was it my fault because i let a man into a hotel room?”

Brand's appearance in court

Brand wore a suit and silver cross, showing no emotion during the testimony.

Victim's long-term impact

The victim has spent years blaming herself for the assault, fearing pregnancy, and struggling with self-worth.

“It made me feel so dirty and i thought it was my fault.”

1999 Labour Party context

The alleged assault occurred at a Labour Party conference where Brand met celebrities including Tony Blair and George Michael.

Victim's decision to testify

The victim testified after watching a 2023 Dispatches program about allegations against Brand from multiple women.

“I saw how manipulative he was.”

Brand's defense strategy

Brand's defense claimed he was 'mostly naked at home' and had no intention of harming the victim.

“It's ok it's just how i am don't worry i'm mostly naked at home.”

Court proceedings update

The trial continues with the victim describing how Brand 'knew exactly what he was doing' during the assault.

“He knew exactly what he was doing. He wanted to have sex that night and i was there.”

Victim's final statement

The victim concluded that Brand 'acted like he had done nothing' despite violating her physically and emotionally.

“He acted like he had done nothing. He had violated me but he acted like completely normal.”