Russell Brand Faces Serious Charges Over Sexual Assault Allegations

Comedian Russell Brand now faces serious charges of rape and sexual assault, according to a statement released by authorities in London on Friday. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Brand has been charged with five offenses involving four women between 1999 and 2005. These charges include one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. The investigation was launched by detectives in September 2023 after “receiving numerous allegations” as a result of reports by Channel 4 and the Times of London.

The authorities stated that among the allegations against Brand are: a woman who claimed she was raped in 1999 in the Bournemouth area; a woman who alleged indecent assault in 2001 in Westminster, London; a 2004 incident where a woman alleged oral rape and sexual assault in Westminster; and another allegation of sexual assault in Westminster between 2004 and 2005. The identities of the accusers have not been disclosed. Metropolitan Police Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy assured that “The women who have made reports are receiving support from specially trained officers.” He emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone affected by this case or with information to contact the police.

Brand is slated to appear in court on May 2; however, the BBC reports that he is currently “believed to be in the United States.” The investigations resurfaced after the Times of London and Channel 4 released a joint probe in September 2023, which included a 90-minute documentary claiming Brand sexually assaulted or raped four women between 2006 and 2013. One accuser, who was 16 at the time, described an “emotionally and sexually abusive relationship” with Brand, who was then in his 30s, recounting a traumatic incident where he “forced his penis down her throat” causing her to choke. Another woman accused Brand of raping her at his Los Angeles residence in 2012. Brand has denied these claims, maintaining that although he was “very, very promiscuous,” all his relationships were “absolutely, always consensual.” Following the documentary’s release, Brand’s talent agency severed ties with him, his comedy tour was put on pause, and London police urged more of his potential victims to come forward.