The UK trial of Russell Brand on sexual assault charges reached its halfway stage on October 27, 2026, with six complainants and three alleging rape. Justice Benathan reduced an indecent assault charge over an MTV employee's 2001 allegation to attempted indecent assault, citing insufficient evidence, leaving one of seven charges reduced. Complainant five's friend, ex-boyfriend and manager have testified that she told them she said no and was bleeding. Cross-examination of earlier complainants focused on whether their accounts changed after a Channel 4 documentary, and the prosecution's case is closing after three weeks rather than the expected eight or nine.