Comedian and former television personality Hardeep Singh Kohli is facing a series of serious allegations, as he prepares to stand trial in Glasgow this November on six sex-related charges involving three women. The 56-year-old, who gained national attention as a contestant on Big Brother and for his work as a reporter on BBC’s The One Show and as a panellist on The Wright Stuff on Channel 5, appeared in Glasgow Sheriff Court on August 8, 2025, where he denied all charges brought against him.
According to BBC News and The Daily Record, the alleged offences span nearly a decade, from April 2007 to December 2016, and took place at locations across Scotland, including BBC Scotland's headquarters at Pacific Quay, Glasgow, the Raddison Blu Hotel in Glasgow, the Cross Keys Hotel in Canonbie, Dumfries and Galloway, and the former Yes Bar in Glasgow city centre.
The first set of allegations centers around an incident at BBC Studios in Glasgow’s Pacific Quay. Prosecutors claim that Kohli indecently assaulted a woman by groping her buttocks, seizing her by the body, and hugging her. The charge sheet further states that he made a sexual comment toward the same woman at a Glasgow bar and restaurant. A third charge involving this woman alleges that Kohli indecently assaulted her at the Raddison Blu Hotel, where he is said to have stroked her back and touched her hair.
The case does not stop there. Kohli is also accused of indecently assaulting a second woman at the Cross Keys Hotel in Canonbie. Prosecutors allege that he seized her arm, lunged toward her, and attempted to kiss her face. In connection with this incident, Kohli faces additional accusations of conducting himself in a disorderly manner and committing a breach of the peace. The charge sheet claims that, at the same time and place, he exposed himself and performed a sex act on himself.
For this particular charge, Kohli’s legal team has lodged a special defence of consent, a move that signals the defence’s intention to argue that any physical contact was consensual. Such a defence can add layers of complexity to sexual assault cases, as it places the issue of consent squarely before the court and the jury.
The final charge relates to an alleged sexual assault of a third woman at the former Yes Bar in Glasgow city centre. Prosecutors allege that Kohli seized the woman by the body, hugged her, kissed her on the mouth, and attempted to put his tongue in her mouth.
Kohli, who resides in Kelvinside, Glasgow, has denied all six charges. During the court hearing, his defence solicitor, Urfan Dar, stated, “The position is the defence is ready for trial. The length of the trial both parties consider four to five days as a suitable estimate.” Advocate Sarah Livingstone is set to lead Kohli’s defence at trial, which is scheduled to begin in November 2025 and is expected to last four to five days, according to The Daily Record.
The prosecution, led by Sean Docherty, indicated that seven civilian witnesses and one police witness will be called to testify. “The Crown is prepared for trial and I estimate it to be four days. Disclosure has been completed,” Docherty told the court. Sheriff John McCormick, presiding over the case, continued Kohli’s bail and set the trial date for November.
The allegations have cast a long shadow over Kohli’s public persona. Known for his quick wit and presence on British television, Kohli’s career has spanned a variety of roles, from reporting and presenting to comedy and reality TV. Yet, these accusations have placed him at the center of a high-profile legal battle, drawing significant public and media attention.
Sexual assault cases involving public figures often spark broader conversations about power dynamics, workplace conduct, and the responsibilities of those in the public eye. The allegations against Kohli, stretching back as far as 2007, echo a wider reckoning with sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry—a movement that has gained momentum in recent years with the rise of the #MeToo movement. While every case is unique, the scrutiny faced by public figures accused of such offences often extends beyond the courtroom, impacting reputations and careers regardless of the eventual legal outcome.
In Scotland, as in the rest of the UK, the legal process for such cases is rigorous. The prosecution must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, and the defence is entitled to challenge the evidence, present alternative narratives, and, as in this case, argue defences such as consent. The fact that seven civilian witnesses and a police officer will be called suggests that the prosecution intends to present a detailed account of the alleged incidents, likely relying on both direct testimony and corroborative evidence.
The charges themselves are varied. They include indecent assault, sexual assault, disorderly conduct, breach of the peace, and, notably, an allegation of exposing and performing a sex act on himself. Such a range of allegations, if proven, could carry significant legal consequences. However, Kohli’s defence has made it clear that he intends to contest every charge. The lodging of a special defence of consent for one of the incidents indicates that the trial may hinge on differing accounts of what transpired between Kohli and the complainants.
Legal experts note that cases involving historic allegations—those that span many years—can be particularly complex. Memories may fade, evidence may be harder to corroborate, and the context of the alleged incidents can become a point of contention. Nonetheless, the Scottish legal system is designed to ensure that both the prosecution and defence have the opportunity to present their cases fully and fairly.
For now, Kohli remains on bail, awaiting his day in court. The upcoming trial is expected to draw considerable media coverage, not only because of Kohli’s celebrity status but also due to the nature and seriousness of the allegations. Sheriff John McCormick’s decision to continue bail reflects standard legal practice, ensuring that the accused remains available for trial while preserving the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
As the November trial date approaches, attention will remain focused on the Glasgow Sheriff Court, where the details of the case will be examined in depth. The outcome will not only determine Kohli’s legal fate but may also influence ongoing discussions about accountability and conduct in the entertainment industry. For the three women at the center of the allegations, the proceedings represent a formal opportunity to have their claims heard and adjudicated by the court.
The legal process, with its emphasis on evidence, testimony, and due process, will ultimately decide the outcome. Until then, the presumption of innocence stands, and the public waits to see how this high-profile case will unfold.