Brand: Day 13 - “T was for tart”

“T was for tart.”

A warning this podcast contains strong language and references to alleged rape, anal rape and sexual assault.

Russell Brand gives evidence for the first time, telling the jury about his past sexual behaviour and responding to allegations from all six complainants.

Brand tells the court that consent was “fundamental, essential, necessary”, and describes how he saved women's details in his phone, including using the letter T for “tart”. He maintains that all his sexual encounters were consensual.

The prosecution challenges his recollections, questioning why he initially told police he couldn't remember the complainants but later recalled details after receiving evidence ahead of the trial. Brand disputes the prosecution’s suggestion that he constructed his account around the evidence.

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

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty takes us through Brand's first day in the witness box, his account of the allegations and the prosecution's challenges during cross-examination.

Follow Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial for daily coverage from Southwark Crown Court, bringing you daily despatches of what the jury hears as the trial unfolds.

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

YouTube Producer: CJ Fawn

Editor: Clare Fordham

Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland

Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron

Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts