A lawyer for Russell Brand has argued that a 2023 Channel 4 documentary and reporting by The Times “poisoned the well of Justice deliberately” and unfairly influenced the six women whose allegations are being heard at trial.

Delivering his closing argument at London’s Southwark Crown Court, defense barrister Ian Winter said the Dispatches documentary was intended to encourage other people to come forward with allegations against Brand. He argued that the six complainants were influenced by the program rather than deciding independently to report their claims.

Winter also said the documentary had a “truly devastating effect” on Brand, claiming it led to him being shunned, prevented from visiting his son in hospital and left potential supporters unwilling to give evidence on his behalf.

The barrister addressed each complainant individually, all of whom have a lifelong right to anonymity, and argued that their accounts had been affected by the publicity surrounding the film. He said several had not told anyone about their allegations until after the documentary was broadcast.

Discussing one complainant who alleges that Brand raped her after consensual sex, Winter questioned how her evidence might have differed if she had not seen the program. He described the case as unfair because the allegations concern events from many years ago and must be considered amid uncertainty over memory and recollection.

Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault, reduced from a charge of indecent assault. The allegations relate to six women and are all denied by Brand.

The prosecution has also referred to the documentary but argued that it was not a “magic force” capable of causing six women to change their memories. The judge previously instructed the jury not to treat anonymous allegations featured in the program as supporting evidence for the prosecution.

Winter also argued that the prosecution had not explained why Brand allegedly assaulted these women despite having consensual sex with hundreds of others between 1999 and 2009. He said that manipulative or flirtatious behavior in pursuit of consensual sex was not itself unlawful and did not establish the charges in this case.

The jury is expected to retire to consider its verdict shortly. The trial is continuing.

Sources: Deadline.