Russell Brand went on trial in the United Kingdom on Wednesday, facing charges of rape and sexual assault, with prosecutors telling the jury he was a "ruthless and calculated" sexual predator, according to the BBC.
The comedian and actor has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denies any non-consensual sexual activity, the court heard. The trial opened with the prosecution's case against him.
Brand sat in the dock as the proceedings began. According to the BBC, he remained very still, sitting upright without fidgeting or shifting his posture dramatically. At points he appeared to be meditating, though the BBC noted it could not confirm that was what he was doing.
For the first time this week, the door to the dock was left open, which allowed Brand to see his wife, who was seated in the public area to his right, the BBC reported.
Why it matters
The trial places one of Britain's best-known entertainers at the center of a criminal case involving allegations of serious sexual offenses. Brand has denied wrongdoing throughout, and the proceedings will test the allegations in open court for the first time.
The case has drawn wide attention, with multiple major outlets covering the opening statements. The prosecution's characterization of Brand as "ruthless and calculated" — as reported by the Guardian and the BBC — sets the tone for what is expected to be a closely watched trial.
Prosecution opens with graphic allegations
The prosecution's opening statement included extensive detail about the alleged assaults, some of which the BBC said was too graphic to broadcast or print. The BBC described the alleged details as disturbing.
Sky News reported that the court was told Brand "pranced around room" before raping a woman. The Telegraph reported that prosecutors described him as a "ruthless sexual predator." Reuters reported that UK prosecutors called him a sexual predator.
The BBC's coverage noted that Brand denies all charges against him, including any non-consensual sexual activity. He has pleaded not guilty.
The specific charges Brand faces, and the number of complainants, were not detailed in the material available. The trial is ongoing.
Brand's demeanor in court
According to the BBC, Brand stayed unusually still during the morning's proceedings. He sat upright in the dock and did not fidget or make dramatic changes to his posture.
At times, the BBC reported, he looked as though he was meditating, though the outlet said it could not be certain that was the case.
The dock door was left open for the first time this week, the BBC said, giving Brand a line of sight to his wife in the public seating to his right.
What to watch
The trial continues, with further evidence and testimony expected. Brand has denied all charges, and the case will proceed in court.
