Warner Bros offer outtakes from ‘Arthur’ to authorities in Russell Brand sexual assault case
Warner Bros have offered to share outtakes from the 2011 movie Arthur with authorities in New York regarding an ongoing civil sexual assault case against Russell Brand.
In 2023, Brand was sued by an extra, using the pseudonym Jane Doe, who accused him of exposing himself to members of the cast during the shooting of the film. Doe also alleged that Brand sexually assaulted her in a toilet while on set. Both Brand and Warner Bros are listed as defendants in the case. They both deny any wrongdoing.
According to The Times, on April 4th, Brand’s lawyer, Mark Cuccaro, appeared in the New York Supreme Court, stating his client had “reasonable belief criminal prosecution is possible in the US based on allegations tantamount to criminal sexual misconduct occurring in the US, of which he has been falsely accused both by this civil plaintiff and several others through the media.”
Warner Bros have also now offered to share outtakes with the authorities. Their lawyer, Patrick Lamparello, revealed they “some hours of video outtake footage … four or five hours, it could be more, around eight”.
Additionally, Brand’s lawyers attempted to delay the civil case in New York because of the potential “overlap” with the ongoing criminal case in the UK. However, Judge Shlomo Hagler turned down the request.
In the affidavit, Doe claims Brand “appeared intoxicated, smelled of alcohol and was carrying a bottle of vodka on set” before the alleged assault took place. The legal filings also allege that Brand showed his penis to her “in full view of the cast and crew.”
“The sexual assault happened later that same day when I was in the bathroom,” the affidavit continues. “Mr Brand entered after me and assaulted me, as a member of the production crew guarded the door from outside.”
Last week, Brand was charged by the Metropolitan Police with one count each of rape, indecent assault and oral rape, as well as two counts of sexual assault, following a lengthy investigation that began in 2023.
Brand, who is now based in Florida, has been instructed to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on May 2nd. In response to the charges, Brand denied any wrongdoing and said in a video on social media, “I never engaged in non-consensual activity.”
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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