Massage therapist who was ‘attacked by Russell Brand after being hired on his birthday’ has been silenced for more than a decade by draconian gagging order

A massage therapist who accused Russell Brand of assault has been barred by a court order from discussing her allegations for more than a decade, including with police and family. The newly reported restrictions have prompted criticism from a media lawyer and calls for MPs to examine whether they improperly limit freedom of expression.

Szilvia Berki said she was pushed and left frightened during a 2014 visit to Jemima Goldsmith’s home, where she had been hired to give Brand a birthday massage for £500; the massage did not take place. Brand and Goldsmith denied wrongdoing, and police dropped their investigation. In 2015, they obtained an anti-harassment order barring Berki from making allegations or discussing the visit, and requiring her to pay £50,000 in legal costs; she has since made three unsuccessful appeals.