Russell Brand has been charged with rape and sexual assault by British police following an 18-month investigation. The charges stem from allegations made by four women, who claim they were assaulted by the comedian between 1999 and 2005 in central London and Bournemouth.
According to London’s Metropolitan Police, Brand, 50, faces one count of rape, one of indecent assault, one of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. The investigation remains open, and authorities are encouraging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
The allegations first surfaced in September 2023 when Channel 4 and the Sunday Times reported claims from four women who accused Brand of sexual assault or rape. The identities of the accusers have not been disclosed.
Brand has denied the allegations, stating that all his relationships were consensual. Known for his bold, provocative stand-up comedy, Brand has also hosted radio and TV shows, authored memoirs about his struggles with addiction, and appeared in several films, including Get Him To The Greek. He was briefly married to pop star Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012.
In recent years, Brand has stepped away from mainstream media, focusing instead on building a large online following with content that blends wellness advice and conspiracy theories. He has also recently relocated to the United States.
Brand is scheduled to appear in a London court on May 2. Jaswant Narwal from the Crown Prosecution Service stated that after reviewing the evidence gathered during the police investigation, prosecutors decided to charge Brand with offenses including rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial,” Narwal added.
Earlier this year, the BBC issued an apology to staff who felt they couldn’t report Brand’s behavior due to his celebrity status. Brand worked for the BBC from 2006 to 2008, hosting two weekly radio shows and contributing to various projects. The BBC acknowledged that in the past, some presenters had abused their positions of power.
