Scottish comedian and former Celebrity Big Brother contestant Hardeep Singh Kohli is set to stand trial in November 2025 after being charged with a series of sex-related offences involving three women, according to multiple reports from the BBC, The Independent, and regional Scottish outlets. The allegations, which span nearly a decade from April 2007 to December 2016, have placed the 56-year-old broadcaster and television personality at the center of a high-profile legal battle that has attracted significant public and media attention.
Kohli, known for his appearances on BBC's The One Show, Channel 5's The Wright Stuff, and as a panellist on Loose Ends and Question Time, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on August 8, 2025, where he formally denied all six charges brought against him. The accusations detail alleged indecent assaults and sexual misconduct at several well-known venues in Glasgow and Dumfries and Galloway, including the BBC Scotland headquarters at Pacific Quay, the Radisson Blu Hotel, the Cross Keys Hotel in Canonbie, and the former Yes Bar in Glasgow city centre.
The first set of charges allege that Kohli indecently assaulted a woman at the BBC studios in Glasgow between April 2007 and September 2008. Prosecutors claim he grabbed her buttocks and attempted to hug her during an encounter at Pacific Quay. The same woman has also accused Kohli of making a sexual comment towards her at an unnamed bar and restaurant in Glasgow during the same period. Additionally, it is alleged that he indecently assaulted her again at the Radisson Blu Hotel by stroking her back and touching her hair. According to The Independent, all of these incidents occurred within a similar timeframe and location, painting a picture of repeated and unwanted advances.
The case's second complainant alleges that Kohli indecently assaulted her at the Cross Keys Hotel in Canonbie, Dumfries and Galloway, in June 2008. Prosecutors state that he seized her by the arm, lunged towards her, and tried to kiss her face. On the same occasion, Kohli is also accused of disorderly conduct and breach of the peace, including exposing himself and performing a sex act in the woman's presence. For this incident, Kohli has lodged a special defence of consent, a legal argument that will likely become a focal point during the trial. As reported by the BBC, the defence has confirmed that it is prepared to contest the charges, emphasizing that consent will be a key issue for at least one of the allegations.
The third and final complainant alleges that in December 2016, Kohli sexually assaulted her at the Yes Bar in Glasgow city centre. The charge states he seized her by the body, hugged her, kissed her on the mouth, and attempted to insert his tongue in her mouth. The details of this accusation, as outlined in both The Independent and local Scottish media, suggest a pattern of alleged behavior that prosecutors will likely argue is consistent across the various incidents.
During the August 8 court hearing, Kohli appeared in the dock wearing a purple turban and a black-and-grey Adidas tracksuit. He listened attentively as the charges were read out and maintained his not guilty plea on all counts. Urfan Dar, representing Kohli, told the court, "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." Dar also confirmed that advocate Sarah Livingstone will lead Kohli's defence at trial. Prosecutor Sean Docherty responded, stating, "The Crown is prepared for trial and I estimate it to be four days. Disclosure has been completed." Sheriff John McCormick formally set the trial for November 24, 2025, estimating it would last five days and continued Kohli's bail in the meantime.
The prosecution plans to cite seven civilian witnesses and one police officer, according to statements made in court and reported by The Independent. Vulnerable witness orders have been granted for all three complainants, a measure designed to provide additional protections and support for those giving evidence in sensitive cases. Both sides have also agreed on a joint minute, a legal document outlining agreed facts to streamline the trial process and focus on contested issues.
Kohli's legal troubles have cast a shadow over his once-prominent broadcasting career. A familiar face on British television, Kohli built a reputation as a witty commentator and cultural critic, appearing on popular programs and engaging in public debates. His participation in Celebrity Big Brother and frequent guest spots on radio and TV made him a well-known figure beyond Scotland, contributing to the heightened interest in the case.
The allegations against Kohli come at a time when issues of sexual misconduct in the media and entertainment industries remain under intense scrutiny. High-profile cases in recent years have prompted calls for greater accountability and transparency, with many organizations reviewing their internal procedures and support systems for victims. The BBC, where one of the alleged incidents took place, has faced its own share of controversies related to workplace conduct in the past, further amplifying the public's focus on the Kohli case.
Throughout the proceedings, Kohli has maintained his innocence, denying all allegations and signaling his intent to vigorously defend himself in court. The special defence of consent lodged for the Cross Keys Hotel incident indicates that the trial will delve into complex questions of personal interaction, intent, and the boundaries of acceptable behavior. As with many such cases, the outcome is likely to hinge on the credibility of the witnesses, the strength of the evidence, and the ability of both legal teams to present a compelling narrative to the jury.
Observers note that the trial, scheduled for late November, is expected to draw significant media coverage and public interest, both due to Kohli's celebrity status and the sensitive nature of the allegations. The presence of multiple complainants, each with detailed and specific accusations, adds to the complexity of the case. Legal experts suggest that the court's handling of vulnerable witnesses and the special defence of consent will be closely watched as potential precedents for future cases of this nature.
As November approaches, all eyes will be on Glasgow Sheriff Court as Hardeep Singh Kohli faces the legal process, determined to clear his name while his accusers seek justice for the alleged offences. The trial promises to be a pivotal moment not only for those directly involved but also for broader conversations about consent, accountability, and conduct within the media industry.
