British comedian Russell Brand pleads not guilty to new rape and sexual assault charges

LONDON (AP) — British comedian Russell Brand pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to new counts of rape and sexual assault.

Brand, who was already facing similar charges involving four women, denied the new charges in Southwark Crown Court. The alleged offenses took place in 2009, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

Brand, 50, was charged in April with two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. Prosecutors said those offenses involving four women took place between 1999 and 2005 — one in the English seaside town of Bournemouth and three in London. Brand pleaded not guilty to those charges in a London court earlier this year.

A trial scheduled for June is expected to last four to five weeks.

The “Get Him To The Greek” actor, known for risqué stand-up routines, battles with drugs and alcohol, has dropped out of mainstream media in recent years. He built a large following online with videos mixing wellness and conspiracy theories, as well as discussing his religious devotion.

Russell Brand leaves Southwark Crown Court, in London, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Russell Brand leaves Southwark Crown Court, in London, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Russell Brand leaves Southwark Crown Court, in London, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Russell Brand arrives at Southwark Crown Court, in London, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Russell Brand arrives at Southwark Crown Court, in London, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 24, 2026--

Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation (“the Company”) today announced that Alexander D. Dodd, CFA, has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), effective April 13, 2026, succeeding Robert M. Gorman, who is retiring after nearly 14 years with the Company. To assist with Dodd’s transition to the company, Gorman will remain with the Company through September 30, 2026 serving as an executive advisor.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260224515545/en/

"Alex will be a valuable addition to our leadership team," said John C. Asbury, President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Union Bankshares. “He brings more than 20 years of enterprise finance leadership experience across U.S. and Canadian banking, including serving as Interim CFO for TD Bank’s U.S. operations—a $375 billion asset institution. Alex also has experience at smaller institutions and offers extensive end-to-end experience across the finance functions of a regional bank.

“I also want to thank Rob for his flexibility while we conducted a thorough search and his willingness to stay on to assist with the transition.”

Dodd, 49, joins the Company from TD Bank Group, where he has served in multiple senior finance management leadership roles over nearly 20 years, including most recently as Deputy CFO, Executive Vice President. He also served as interim CFO for TD Bank’s US operations. After starting his banking career at MBNA, Dodd joined TD Banknorth prior to its combination with Commerce Bank. At TD Bank, he assumed roles of increasing responsibility at the organization. Dodd managed several line of business CFO roles, including CFO of the Consumer Bank. He then became Head of all line of business CFO’s in addition to managing Financial Planning and Analysis and Corporate Strategy. Dodd also was the Corporate Segment CFO for TD Bank Group’s enterprise functions.

Dodd is a graduate from the United States Coast Guard Academy, received his Master of Business Administration from Loyola University Maryland and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (“CFA”) holder.

About Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation
Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation (NYSE: AUB) is the holding company for Atlantic Union Bank. Atlantic Union Bank has branches and ATMs located in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina and Washington D.C. Certain non-bank financial services affiliates of Atlantic Union Bank include: Atlantic Union Equipment Finance, Inc., which provides equipment financing; AUB Investments, Inc., which provides investment services; and Atlantic Union Capital Markets, Inc., which provides capital market services.

Alex Dodd named CFO of Atlantic Union Bankshares