Actor and comedian Russell Brand has been charged with rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault, allegations that span from 1999 to 2005 and involve four different women.
Brand has undergone several police interviews following an investigation by the Sunday Times, the Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches in September 2023, which brought to light multiple serious allegations.
In a recent video on X, Brand stated, “What I never was, was a rapist. I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity.”
He continued, “I’m now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.”
The Metropolitan Police has formally notified Brand that he faces charges including one count of rape, one of indecent assault, one of oral rape, and two of sexual assault.
According to the police, it is alleged that:
In 1999, a woman was raped in the Bournemouth area.
In 2001, a woman was indecently assaulted in the Westminster area of London.
In 2004, a woman was orally raped and sexually assaulted in the Westminster area of London.
Between 2004 and 2005, a woman was sexually assaulted in the Westminster area of London.
Brand has been ordered to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2, although he is currently believed to be in the United States.
When a suspect is abroad, prosecutors typically negotiate the defendant’s return. If the suspect does not cooperate, extradition may be pursued.
In February, an anonymous woman filed a civil case against Brand in the High Court in London, citing “personal injury” and “sexual abuse.”
Jaswant Narwal of the Crown Prosecution Service stated, “We have today authorized the Metropolitan Police to charge Russell Brand with a number of sexual offences.”
“We carefully reviewed the evidence after a police investigation into allegations made following the broadcast of a Channel 4 documentary in September 2023.”
“We have concluded that Russell Brand should be charged with offences including rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault. These relate to reported non-recent offences between 1999 and 2005, involving four women.”
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police, who leads the investigation, said, “The women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers.”
“The Met’s investigation remains open, and detectives ask anyone who has been affected by this case, or anyone who has any information, to come forward and speak with police. A dedicated team of investigators is available via email at CIT@met.police.uk.”
“Support is also available by contacting the independent charity, Rape Crisis at their 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.”
Brand, originally from Essex, gained fame as a stand-up comedian with performances at Hackney Empire in 2000 and later at the Edinburgh Fringe.
He transitioned to broadcasting, hosting various national television and radio shows.
A pivotal moment in his career was hosting Big Brother’s Big Mouth, a companion show to the popular reality series Big Brother.
This role catapulted him into becoming one of the UK’s most sought-after presenters.
Brand’s career included hosting ceremonies such as the NME, MTV, and Brit awards, and his own debate series on E4, as well as fronting the UK segment of the Live Earth charity concert.
However, his career was often marred by controversies, especially at live events where he thrived on the unpredictable nature of the broadcasts.
His radio career, particularly with BBC’s 6 Music and Radio 2 between 2006 and 2008, ended abruptly following inappropriate phone calls made to actor Andrew Sachs during a broadcast in 2008, resulting in his dismissal.
He later pursued a career in Hollywood, starring in movies like “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Get Him To The Greek.”
In recent years, particularly since the onset of the Covid pandemic in 2020, Brand has pivoted to growing his YouTube channel, where he discusses skepticism about the virus.
He has built a cult following for his controversial views on politics and society and has become known as a wellness guru through his video content that often challenges mainstream media reports and promotes conspiracy theories.
