LONDON — Russell Brand acknowledged in court that he misused his celebrity status to pursue sexual encounters, describing his past behavior as wrong and asking for forgiveness during his ongoing trial. The actor and comedian, 51, is facing multiple charges, including three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of attempted indecent assault. The alleged offenses involve six women and are said to have occurred between 1999 and 2009.

Appearing at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, Brand admitted there were inconsistencies between his current testimony and statements he previously made to the police. He told the jury that his memory had changed over time, attributing discrepancies to “escalating recollection.” Despite admitting to using his fame to facilitate sexual access, Brand consistently maintained that he never engaged in non-consensual sex.

Brand described himself as having been “a very determined and focused man” who was “persuasive, seductive, begging and flirting,” dedicating much of his life to what he now terms “reckless, philandering and idiocy.” Reflecting on his actions, he said, “As I became more and more successful and famous, I was very comfortable allowing that to facilitate sexual access which I agree with you was wrong.”

During cross-examination, Brand acknowledged that none of his friends or former colleagues had come forward to testify on his behalf, stating they would not “touch him with a barge pole” following the sexual misconduct allegations.

When questioned about the 2009 alleged rape of one woman at his home, Brand agreed that his defense statements and courtroom testimony differed. He also addressed a prior remark about attempting to sleep with 5,000 women, describing the figure as uncertain but conceding that it reflected his approach to pursuing consensual sexual partners.

Asked whether consent was important to him, Brand responded, “Consent is fundamental, essential.”

The trial is ongoing.