British comedian Russell Brand denies rape, sexual assault charges in London court

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) – British actor and comedian Russell Brand denied rape and sexual assault charges as he testified at a court in London on Wednesday, saying the allegations had had a “devastating” impact on his life.

Brand, 51, took the witness box and gave evidence for over four hours and denied forcing any of the six alleged victims to do anything against their will.

Under intense cross-examination by prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC, he admitted that his past behavior went "beyond reckless philandering and idiocy" and that he "misused" his fame to facilitate sexual access, which he now acknowledged was wrong.

However, he insisted that "consent is non-negotiable."

Brand is accused of three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one charge of attempted indecent assault.

The trial continues at Southwark Crown Court.

Aysu Biçer