Russell Brand gave evidence in his rape trial on Wednesday, with the judge describing consent as the "million-dollar question," according to Sky News. The comedian told the court that sexual consent is "fundamental," the BBC reports.
Brand also said he reached what The Independent describes as "staggering fame" and admitted he "misused" it for sex, per the same outlet. The Guardian reports he told the trial it was wrong to use his celebrity to "facilitate" sex with women.
According to the BBC, Brand said the allegations against him had caused friends and colleagues to turn away from him.
The judge's remark, as reported by Sky News, frames consent as the central issue the court must resolve as Brand testifies. The hearing continues, and further evidence from Brand is expected to be reported as it is given.
What to watch next: Sky News and other outlets are running live coverage of the trial, so watch for further testimony and the judge's eventual directions to the jury.
