Russell Brand Tells Supporter 'God Bless You' as He Leaves Court Ahead of Rape Trial

Russell Brand told a supporter 'God bless you' as he left Southwark Crown Court following the first day of a pre-trial hearing ahead of his forthcoming rape and sexual assault trial.

The comedian, actor and podcaster, 51, appeared at the London court on Tuesday, 6 October, for the first of two days of legal arguments ahead of the trial, which is due to begin next week.

Russell Brand Responds to Supporter After Pre-Trial Hearing

Brand had remained silent when he arrived at court earlier in the day, walking past waiting photographers in a grey suit and sunglasses. He was accompanied by his wife, Laura Gallacher, and flanked by security as he entered the building.

However, as he left the court later that afternoon, Brand briefly responded to a member of the public. According to reports, an onlooker shouted, 'Praise the Lord, Russell Brand,' as Brand made his way out of the courthouse.

Brand replied: 'God bless you for saying that.' He then left the court with Gallacher, with the pair accompanied by security and court staff before departing in a black Mercedes. The brief exchange came after several hours inside Southwark Crown Court, where legal arguments were heard ahead of the trial.

What Are the Charges Against Russell Brand?

Brand is facing seven sexual offence charges relating to allegations made by six women. He has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. The allegations are said to relate to incidents between 1999 and 2009.

The charges include allegations relating to incidents in Bournemouth and London. Previous court hearings have heard allegations that Brand raped a woman in a hotel room while she was attending the Labour Party conference in Bournemouth. He is also accused of sexually assaulting a television worker and a radio station employee in separate incidents.

Brand denies all the allegations and has repeatedly maintained that he has never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity. As the case remains before the courts, the allegations against him have not been proven.

The upcoming trial is expected to begin on Monday, 12 October at Southwark Crown Court and could last for up to 10 weeks. Brand is currently on bail while the criminal proceedings continue. The Tuesday hearing was the first of two days of pre-trial legal arguments, with proceedings scheduled to continue on Wednesday, 7 October.

Russell Brand's Ongoing Legal Troubles

Brand's appearance comes as his legal case moves closer to trial after two additional charges were brought in December 2025. In February, he pleaded not guilty to one further count of rape and one further count of sexual assault, bringing the total number of charges he faces to seven.

Brand rose to prominence as a stand-up comedian and television personality during the 2000s, becoming known for shows including 'Big Brother's Big Mouth' before moving into film and Hollywood projects. His credits include 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' and 'Get Him to the Greek'.

In more recent years, Brand has focused heavily on podcasting and online broadcasting, while also becoming increasingly outspoken about religion and his Christian faith. His brief 'God bless you' exchange outside the courthouse was the only reported interaction he had with a supporter as he left Tuesday's hearing, after maintaining silence while entering the courthouse earlier that morning.

With the second day of legal arguments now underway, attention is turning to next week's trial, where Brand will formally face the seven charges against him. He continues to deny every allegation.