First accuser gives evidence at the Russell Brand trial. He is presumed innocent and none of it has yet been tested
The second day of Russell Brand's trial in London heard from the first woman who accuses him. The BBC reported that she told the court the alleged attack left her afraid she might be pregnant. The Guardian and the Evening Standard reported her account that he told her it was 'just fun', and the Telegraph and the Times reported that the court heard he asked her to photograph him in his underwear. ABC in Australia said the court was shown photographs of him shirtless in a hotel room. Reuters reported that she told police she blamed herself. On Wednesday the Crown had described him as a 'ruthless', 'calculated and manipulative' sexual predator, ITV News, the Telegraph, the Mail and the Guardian reported. He pleaded not guilty at an earlier stage, according to a New York Times report we cited on Thursday. None of the reports in our window carried a response from the defence.
This is the first time the allegations are being tested with a witness rather than described by lawyers. An opening speech is not evidence; sworn testimony and cross-examination are. The trial is also the most widely reported British story of the past day.
Nothing to do. Reports are limited to a fair and accurate account of what is said in court, so one side is heard before the other. The complainant cannot be named. Mr Brand is presumed innocent until a jury decides.
Those who back prosecution in open court say serious allegations are best tested in public, and that hearing the complainant directly is the heart of a fair trial.
Defence lawyers will say that one witness's account is not proof, that her evidence must be challenged in cross-examination, and that reporting must not prejudge the jury.
One day of evidence settles nothing. The things to watch are the defence's cross-examination of the first woman, the evidence of the other complainants, and any ruling from the judge about what may be reported. Until the defence case is heard, the only fair summary is that serious allegations have been made in court and are contested.
DailyDrop U.K. edition No. 12 · Morning · FRI., OCT. 16, 2026