Russell Brand has drawn attention to a courtroom sketch of himself after appearing at a London hearing on sexual offence charges, using social media to criticise the illustration rather than addressing the allegations directly.
The comedian and actor appeared by video link from Florida at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where he faced charges of rape and sexual assault. During the brief hearing, which lasted around six minutes, Brand spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. He was granted bail and is due to attend a plea hearing at Southwark Crown Court on February 17.
Hours later, Brand shared a post on X, formerly Twitter, reacting to a sketch published by The Independent. “Never mind anything else. This court sketch is an injustice,” he wrote, making light of the image while the legal proceedings continue.
Brand was first charged in December over allegations relating to incidents said to have taken place in London in 2009. These charges add to earlier counts of rape, indecent assault and sexual assault, all of which he has denied. His trial is scheduled to begin later this year.
The ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ star has consistently rejected the accusations and has said he welcomes the opportunity to defend himself in court in 2026.
