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London – British actor and comedian Brand Russell appeared in a London court on Monday for the start of his trial on rape and sexual assault charges.
The hearing at Southwark Crown Court was adjourned until Tuesday after a morning of jury selection. Prosecutors are expected to open their case later this week.
Brand, who is on bail, left the court building by the River Thames holding hands with his wife, Laura Gallacher. He had previously come to court flanked by security guards and his wife.
Brand, 51, he has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. The charges involve six women and alleged crimes between 1999 and 2009. The trial is expected to last up to 10 weeks.
Prosecutors said at previous hearings that Brand is accused of raping a woman in a hotel room at a Labor Party conference, grabbing a TV worker’s breasts and forcing her into a sexual act in a toilet, and kissing and groping a radio station worker.
Known for risque stand-up routines and battles with drugs and alcohol, Brand rose to prominence in the early 2000s, hosting television shows and his own BBC radio show. He appeared in Hollywood films including “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Get Him to the Greek”.
In recent years he has moved away from the mainstream media, moved to Florida and built a large online series with videos mixing cheer, conspiracy theories and discussions about his religious faith.
The Associated Press does not name victims of sexual violence, and British law protects their identity from the media for life.
