Russell Brand accuser says she reported him to Channel 4 in 2009, court hears

A woman who accuses Russell Brand of sexual assault told a jury she reported his behaviour to Channel 4 in 2009.

The woman, known in court only as Complainant 6, gave evidence at Southwark Crown Court in London, the criminal court hearing the case. Her testimony was described in a Deadline report published on 20 October 2026.

She said she was working for Channel 4 at the time of the alleged incident. She told the court that Brand laid his head on her lap and said "Come on then" to demand a massage. She said it happened while she was on a work assignment in 2009.

She said she reported what had happened to her line manager. She told the jury she was assured the matter had been escalated inside the broadcaster.

Channel 4 has previously addressed a complaint from that year. In a summary report published in March 2024, the broadcaster said a serious allegation about Brand had been made in 2009 by a then-serving member of staff. That allegation was not properly investigated nor escalated, according to Channel 4.

Brand faces three charges of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. The charges relate to allegations made by six women. He denies all the charges and has pleaded not guilty, meaning the jury must decide the case after hearing the evidence.

The court also heard about his response when questioned by police. He declined to answer questions in interview and relied instead on a prepared statement. In that statement he said he did not recall meeting the women or remember their names, and said any sexual contact was consensual.

Another complainant also described a delay in reporting. A former MTV employee said she did not initially report her allegation of rape because she feared being "seen as trouble".

Prosecutors have described Brand as a "sexual predator" and as "ruthless", the BBC reported. The prosecution has said the six women who made complaints have never met each other.

The case continues at Southwark Crown Court. The jury will return verdicts after all evidence has been heard.