Contains adult themes.

Fame Under Fire, Brand: Day 2 - 8 Men, 4 Women

Fame Under Fire

Brand: Day 2 - 8 Men, 4 Women

13 October 2026

Available for over a year

The jury has been selected in Russell Brand's trial at Southwark Crown Court. Eight men and four women have been sworn in, along with a reserve juror.

But why were six prospective jurors dismissed?

Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. He denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty reports on the jury selection process and the judge's instructions to jurors about avoiding outside opinions, media coverage and online research. She also explains why alleged victims of sexual offences are entitled to lifelong anonymity and how journalists must avoid 'jigsaw identification' in their reporting.

With the prosecution due to open its case tomorrow, what can we expect from its opening statement? And why won't the defence be making one?

Follow Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial for daily coverage from Southwark Crown Court, as Anoushka brings you what the jury hears and explains what it means.

Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty

Series Producer: Louise Clarke

Digital Journalist: Jem Westgate

Production coordinator: Ellie Dover

Junior Production Manager: Tom Dunster

Technical Producer: Mark Burrows

Editor: Clare Fordham

Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland

Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron

Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts