Warner Bros. can’t ditch Russell Brand ‘Willy kiss’ lawsuit: NYC judge

A Manhattan judge has rejected Warner Bros.’ attempt to dismiss a lawsuit accusing Russell Brand of sexually assaulting an extra during filming of the 2010 comedy *Arthur*. The case can now proceed towards trial, where a jury may decide whether the studio could have foreseen the alleged assault from information about Brand available when he was hired.

The anonymous plaintiff, who sued Brand and the studio in 2023, alleges he exposed himself on set and later blocked her from leaving a bathroom, demanded she kiss his penis and forced her head onto it. Warner Bros. argued it had received no complaints from the production and had no prior notice of a risk. Judge Adam Silvera said whether the studio had constructive knowledge of Brand’s alleged propensities, or could have intervened, are questions for a jury; the studio’s plans for an appeal are unclear.