British actor and comedian, Russell Brand, is standing trial in London over allegations of rape and sexual assault involving six women, with a prosecutor describing him as a “ruthless” sexual predator who allegedly assaulted the women over a decade.
Brand, 51, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault.
The alleged offences reportedly occurred between 1999 and 2009.
Opening the prosecution’s case at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones told jurors that the six women, who did not know one another, were allegedly assaulted at different locations, including a hotel room, workplaces, a toilet cubicle in a bar and Brand’s home.
Karmy-Jones said Brand had an “indiscriminate and voracious” desire for sexual contact during the period covered by the allegations, adding that “women were simply a means to an end.”
“He was ruthless, he was calculating, he was manipulative. And, the prosecution say, he was a sexual predator,” she told the court.
Brand, who is on bail, arrived at the court on Wednesday amid a crowd of photographers and video journalists.
Speaking to reporters, he said he felt “blessed” ahead of the proceedings.
“I feel, of course, concerned but hopeful that this process will lead to good outcomes for everybody involved,” he said. “That’s my prayer.”
The comedian rose to prominence in the early 2000s through his risqué stand-up performances, television programmes and BBC radio show.
He also appeared in Hollywood films, including Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek.
Known for his past struggles with drugs and alcohol, Brand has in recent years moved away from mainstream media and relocated to Florida.
He has since developed a substantial online following through videos discussing wellness, conspiracy theories and his religious beliefs.
The trial concerns allegations involving six women, whose identities are protected under British law.
The Associated Press does not identify victims of alleged sexual violence.
Brand denies the charges against him.
