Russell Brand accuser says he turned 'monster-like' before alleged rape

A woman accusing Russell Brand of rape testified at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday that he changed from "camp, friendly and effeminate" to "monster-like" before the alleged assault. The 51-year-old comedian faces seven charges—three counts of rape, three of sexual assault, and one of indecent assault—relating to allegations from six women between 1999 and 2009. He denies all charges.

The complainant said she met Brand at the Labour Party conference in Bournemouth in 1999 before he was famous, and later went back to his hotel room. She told the jury that, during the alleged attack, she felt threatened and that his intentions were not good. She described feeling "dirty," fearing pregnancy, and blaming herself afterward.

Under cross-examination, Brand's barrister suggested she welcomed his attention and fell under his spell, which she denied, stating she thought he was gay and felt "sexually safe" with him. She also explained delays in reporting, fearing it would end her career. The trial is expected to last six weeks.