Comedian Russell Brand appeared at Southwark Crown Court in South London on Tuesday ahead of the commencement of his trial, scheduled to begin next Monday. Brand, 51, attended the pre-trial hearing accompanied by his wife, Laura, 39, and a bodyguard who was seen carrying the performer’s Bible.

During the hearing, Brand was permitted to sit alongside his legal team rather than in the dock. He faces multiple charges involving six women dating from 1999 to 2009. These allegations include three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault. Brand has consistently denied all accusations.

As he exited the court, Brand addressed supporters with the words, “God bless you.” The comedian, a resident of Hambleden, Buckinghamshire, converted to Christianity and was baptized in 2024, a personal milestone he described as a turning point in his life.

The forthcoming trial is anticipated to last up to ten weeks and will examine the details of the alleged offenses over a decade ago.