Brand: No Witnesses Will Testify For Me

Russell Brand denied every allegation against him on Wednesday, telling a London jury that he could not persuade anyone with relevant information to testify on his behalf. The comedian appeared as the first witness called by his lawyer, Ian Winter KC, as the defense began presenting its case.

Brand repeatedly answered "No" when Winter asked if he had committed the offenses. He told Southwark Crown Court that his marriage to Katy Perry in 2010 produced "staggering fame" following his mid-2000s profile. Regarding the trial's impact on his personal life, Brand stated, "My entire life has been consumed by these allegations," and "I have devoted myself to these matters."

The case involves six female plaintiffs who receive automatic lifelong anonymity under U.K. law and concerns alleged offenses dating from 1999 to 2009. Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of attempted indecent assault. On Tuesday, Mr Justice Bennathan reduced the indecent assault charge related to a 2001 incident involving an MTV employee to attempted indecent assault, telling jurors there was "insufficient evidence" for the original charge. Brand has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC described Brand during the opening statement as "ruthless and calculated" with an "indiscriminate and voracious" desire for sexual contact. The allegations include a rape at the 1999 Labour Party conference in Bournemouth, an attempted assault in a toilet at MTV in 2001, an incident at a Soho party in 2004, an interaction at Capital Radio in 2004 or 2005, and allegations concerning events in 2009.

Speaking to journalists outside the courthouse after the day's proceedings, Brand said it would be inappropriate to comment further, adding that he was grateful for the day and "blessed that as yet we have a system that can accommodate such things." The trial is scheduled to resume on Thursday.