A woman has told a court that Russell Brand raped her in a hotel room during the 1999 Labour Party conference, describing his body as "snake-like and disgusting". The alleged victim claims Brand told her "it's just fun" as the assault took place.
Alleged assault at Bournemouth hotel
The 51-year-old comedian stands accused of assaulting the woman in 1999 in a Bournemouth hotel. She told police she remembers Brand having a "snake-like" physique, allegedly pushing her onto the bed and lying on top of her. She claims to have closed her eyes during the alleged attack and was left feeling "dirty" and ashamed afterwards.
In her recorded interview, played at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, the woman said: "I found his body a bit snake-like and disgusting. It made me feel sick." She claimed Brand told her "it's normal" as the assault was taking place. "He was just saying 'we're having fun, it's fine, it's all good'," she alleged. "Don't worry about it, it's just fun, it's normal."
Encounter at fringe event
The woman, who had previously been a victim of abuse, claimed Brand prompted her to compare past experiences, leading her to question, "stuck in her head...is this what abusers do?". She added: "It was almost like trying to convince me it's all OK. I'd have to learn to enjoy it."
She also claimed Brand had attempted to reassure her about his character earlier in their encounter. "I remember him mentioning my own experiences, to almost be like ....I'm not like that, I'm not like those men," she alleged. "Convincing me and using that."
Alleged details and aftermath
Brand reportedly encountered the alleged rape victim when she was among the audience for a fringe cabaret performance in which he was appearing. She claimed she initially believed Brand was gay and had no sexual interest in her, and recalled him tugging her ponytail and saying "boo" when he approached her at the venue.
She claimed they "chatted for hours", discussing a potential play they might produce, and she invited him back to her hotel room. But she claimed Brand then appeared shirtless from the bathroom, insisted that she photograph him, and allegedly began "prancing around, being silly" including performing "goose steps" like TV character Basil Fawlty.
She alleges that Brand "pushed me onto the bed" and removed her trousers, and he felt "heavy" as he lay on top of her. She "drifted out of my head" during the alleged rape, the court heard, adding: "It didn't take long, I just know it was quick."
The woman broke down in tears as she said: "It made me feel so dirty and I thought it was my fault...but in those days it was your fault, it was always your fault." She added she was "having nightmares" about the possibility of being pregnant, and contemplated self-harm as she resolved to not tell anyone what had happened.
Brand, sporting a top knot in court, has been attentively listening to the video interview from the dock, showing minimal emotion. The trial continues.
