Four the Record: Russell Brand on Trial
Channel 4 News 11 episodes Nov 11, 2026
A Channel 4 News podcast hosted by culture correspondent Minnie Stephenson that follows the trial of Russell Brand on charges of rape, sexual assault and indecent assault. Episodes are published each weekday during the trial and cover the latest developments, key testimony and expert analysis. Brand has pleaded not guilty and has always strongly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
Episodes
'Why didn't you scream?': The rape myths exposed by the Russell Brand trial
Russell Brand is now a convicted rapist. But what does his case tell us about the way rape victims are treated in court? And what needs to change to make the justice system fairer for survivors? Culture Correspondent Minnie Stephenson is joined by Labour MP Jess Phillips, former Safeguarding Minister, and campaigner Natasha Saunders, who was raped by her former husband. They discuss victim-blaming
Inside the police investigation which led to Russell Brand's rape trial
How did detectives build a case against Russell Brand - involving more than 300 witness statements? What was it like supporting survivors through a lengthy and challenging criminal justice process, particularly when the defendant was a celebrity with millions of online followers? Brand has been sentenced to 10 years and 6 months in prison 2026 after being convicted of one rape and three sexual ass
Russell Brand jailed for over 10 years for rape and sexual assault | The Sentence
Today Russell Brand was sentenced to ten years and six months in prison, after he was found guilty of rape and sexual assault last week. The disgraced comedian must serve two-thirds of this sentence before he will be eligible for parole. Culture Correspondent Minnie Stephenson talks to Sachelle Connor about what it was like to be in the room, when Brand heard his prison term.
'Everyone knew Russell Brand was a predator' - says comedian Shappi Khorsandi
Russell Brand has spent his first night in a prison cell after the jury of eight men and four women found him unanimously guilty of one rape and three sexual assaults. For years, Russell Brand was one of Britain's biggest comedy stars. But behind the scenes, many say his behaviour was an open secret. Shappi Khorsandi worked with Brand in the early stages of his career. She speaks to Minnie Ste
Russell Brand convicted of rape and sexual assault | The Verdict
Russell Brand has been found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault after a 4 week-long trial. The jury took eight hours and 30 minutes to deliberate on a verdict. Mr Justice Bennathan ruled that Brand must be remanded into custody until sentencing on Monday, and told him to expect a prison sentence of 'some length'. Culture Correspondent Minnie Stephenson talks to
What are the key moments from Russell Brand's trial? | Trial day 16
It's Day 16 of Russell Brand's rape trial in London; the final day of proceedings before the jury begins its deliberations. In this episode, Culture Correspondent Minnie Stephenson is joined by producer Sachelle Connor to break down what the jury heard in court today. They also look back at the trial as a whole, examining some of its key moments and the evidence heard over the past 16 days
Brand's barrister says journalists 'poisoned the well of justice' | Trial day 15
Warning: This episode includes graphic descriptions of alleged rape and sexual assault. It's day 15 and Brand's defence barrister Ian Winter KC delivered his closing speech to the court. He said a Channel 4 documentary and stories published in the Times and Sunday Times that made allegations about Brand in 2023, "poisoned the well of justice" by prompting the accusers in this c
Russell Brand's accusers were 'amusements in his playground of orgasms', court hears | Trial day 14
Warning: This episode includes graphic descriptions of alleged rape and sexual assault. It's day 14 of Russell Brand's rape trial in London and today his defence team finished setting out their case and the prosecution barrister presented her closing arguments. Ms Riel Karmy-Jones told the court that Brand saw one accuser, Woman E, as: "just a hole, a number to add to his 5,000 notc
Russell Brand's wife Laura testifies in court | Trial day 13
It's day 13 of Russell Brand's rape trial in London and his wife, Laura Brand, took the stand to testify in his defence. In this episode, Culture Correspondent Minnie Stephenson speaks to Sachelle Connor about what the jury heard from Laura Brand in Southwark Crown Court. Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault. He denie
Russell Brand takes the stand and gives evidence | Trial day 12
Warning: This episode includes graphic descriptions of allegations of rape and sexual assault. Russell Brand gave evidence in court for the first time on day 12 of his rape trial. He told the court that allegations against him had had a “devastating” impact on his life, and that no one had agreed to give evidence on his behalf during the trial. Brand also told the court that he had been prevented
Brand: 'Sexual encounters always consensual', court hears | Trial day 11
On day 11 of Russell Brand's trial the prosecution delivered the final part of its case, before the jury heard the details of Brand's police interviews. In this episode our Culture Correspondent Minnie Stephenson and producer Sachelle Connor recap what happened at Southwark Crown Court today – including the Judge's decision to change the indecent assault charge against Russell Brand i
Brand had an 'insane sexual appetite' former PA says | Trial day 10
Warning: This episode includes graphic descriptions of alleged rape and sexual assault. On day 10 of Russell Brand's trial the jury heard from more witnesses for the prosecution, including his former personal assistant. In her written statement she said working for Brand was one of the hardest jobs she's ever had, and that Brand had an 'insane sexual appetite'. In today’s episode
Russell Brand trial: What's happened so far?
Warning: This episode includes graphic descriptions of rape and sexual assault. Russell Brand’s rape trial in London has concluded its second week. The jury isn’t sitting today, so Culture Correspondent Minnie Stephenson speaks to our producer Sachelle Connor, about what the court has heard over the past two weeks. Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of i
'She didn’t think she would be believed' friend of Russell Brand accuser tells court | Trial day 9
Warning: This episode includes graphic descriptions of alleged rape and sexual assault. It's day 9 of Russell Brand's rape trial in London, and today the court heard from several witnesses relating to a woman who alleges she was anally raped by Russell Brand in 2009. A statement from the accuser's mother was read in court, in which she said 'I just remember her saying "he rape
Woman told Brand 'you treated me like an animal', court hears | Trial day 8
Warning: This episode includes graphic descriptions of alleged rape and sexual assault. It's day 8 of the Russell Brand trial and the court heard the remaining testimony from Woman E who said she had been treated "like a piece of meat". The alleged victim was cross-examined by Brand's barrister, and the court heard about a text exchange between her and Brand in which he said &q
'When I asked him to stop, he didn’t', Brand accuser tells court | Trial day 7
Warning: This episode includes graphic descriptions of alleged rape and sexual assault. It's day seven of Russell Brand's rape trial at Southwark Crown Court, and the testimonies of three more alleged victims were heard in court. The details were extremely graphic. One woman alleges that after she had consensual vaginal sex with Brand at his home he then anally raped her. She says she tol
Brand was like a 'clown' with a 'weird look in the eye' before alleged sexual assault, court hears | Trial day 6
It's day six of Russell Brand's rape trial in London and a third alleged victim took to the stand: she claimed Russell Brand was like a 'clown' with a 'weird look on his face', before dragging her into a toilet and orally raping her. Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. He denies all the charges. In today’s epis
Brand turned into a 'wide-eyed maniac' says second alleged victim | Trial Day 5
It's day 5 of Russell Brand's rape trial in London and the second alleged victim took to the stand, along with other witnesses', including his former friend and flatmate Andrew Dobson. Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. He denies all the charges. Dobson described him as 'vibrant' and 'lively'; but also
First alleged victim gives evidence in court | Trial Day 4
Today, the court heard testimony from the first alleged victim in Russell Brand’s rape trial at Southwark Crown Court. Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. He denies all the charges. The woman told the court that Brand allegedly raped her after asking her to take photographs of him “semi-nude”. She also described how, before the alle
Brand was 'ruthless sexual predator' court hears | Trial Day 3
On day 3 of Russell Brand's trial, the prosecution described him as 'ruthless', 'calculating', 'manipulative' and a 'sexual predator'. For the first time the jury heard accounts of the women who are accusing Brand of some of the most serious crimes. In this episode Minnie Stephenson and Sachelle Connor outline the seven charges against him, in relation to six
Russell Brand trial latest: What happened on day 2 | Trial Day 2
Day two of Russell Brand’s trial: what happened in court, and how does jury selection work? Minnie Stephenson speaks to producer Sachelle Connor about the latest from the courtroom, while jury expert Professor Cheryl Thomas KC breaks down how juries are selected in the UK and how it's different from the US. Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent
Inside the Russell Brand trial | Trial Day 1
Russell Brand’s trial began in London today. He faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. He denies all the charges. So, what happened in court on day one? What was the atmosphere like as Brand arrived? And how will the jury be selected? In this episode, Minnie Stephenson speaks to producer Sachelle Connor about what happened inside the courtro
The rise and reinvention of Russell Brand | Russell Brand on Trial
Russell Brand's rape trial started today in London - but who is the man behind the headlines and how did he reach such monumental levels of success in the 2000s? In this podcast, Minnie Stephenson talks to journalist and broadcaster Sam Delaney about Russell Brand’s career, his rise to fame and the story behind one of the most recognisable and controversial figures in British entertainment. Russ
Inside the courtroom: How a criminal trial works | Russell Brand on Trial
Russell Brand will be on trial from Monday: he’s been charged with three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. He strenuously denies all charges. But how does the UK justice system ensure a fair trial when the defendant is one of the UK’s most recognisable public figures? What does the prosecution have to prove in a case of this nature? And what protecti
Russell Brand on Trial - a new podcast from Channel 4 News
Russell Brand’s rape trial is due to start on 12 October. He's been charged with three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. He strenuously denies all charges.So, what happens when fame and public opinion collide with the evidence put before the court?What will the prosecution allege? What will the defence argue? And who will take to the stand?Our Cu
