At a hearing in which jurors were present, Russell Brand's defence lawyer told the court that a Channel 4 documentary and subsequent media reporting had "poisoned the well" against the comedian.
The barrister acknowledged that Brand "had an immense amount of sex", but stressed to jurors that "none of it was unlawful," framing that assertion as central to the defence case. The comment was presented as part of an effort to counter what the defence described as prejudicial pre-trial publicity.
The defence argued that the tone and content of the documentary and press coverage had shaped public perceptions in a way that could influence the jury's ability to judge the evidence impartially. The phrase "poisoned the well" was used to describe the alleged effect of that coverage on both potential jurors and wider public discourse.
Prosecution statements and details of the allegations were not set out in the remarks attributed to the defence in court that were summarised for jurors. The matter is being heard before jurors, and court proceedings are ongoing.
Legal teams on both sides are presenting their arguments about what evidence and context jurors should consider. The defence's comments underline its broader strategy of distinguishing consensual sexual behaviour from conduct it says would be unlawful, while challenging the influence of media narratives on the trial process.
No verdict has been reached; the case will continue to be heard in court as both sides present their evidence and legal submissions.