The trial of British comedian and actor Russell Brand on multiple charges of rape and sexual assault has been postponed and is now set to begin in October, a London court ruled on Monday.
A judge at Southwark Crown Court confirmed that the trial, which is expected to last up to eight weeks, has been delayed following the addition of new charges late last year.
Brand, 50, faces a total of seven charges involving six women, including three counts of rape and four counts of indecent or sexual assault. The alleged incidents are said to have taken place between 1999 and 2009. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The comedian was not required to attend the preliminary hearing and did not appear in court on Monday.
Brand, once a prominent figure in British entertainment, gained widespread recognition in the 2000s for his flamboyant style and work as a television and radio presenter, including roles with the BBC. He also appeared in films such as Get Him to the Greek (2010).
He was previously married to U.S. pop star Katy Perry. The couple married in 2010 and divorced in 2012 after 14 months.
In recent years, Brand has stepped away from mainstream media and has focused largely on online platforms, where he shares commentary on U.S. politics and issues related to free speech.