Russell Brand has been seen in public for the first time since being formally charged with multiple sexual offences by the Metropolitan Police. The 49-year-old former comedian and actor, who now resides in Florida, appeared relaxed as he spent time in Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island, just hours after the charges were made public.
Brand, who received the news via post due to his extended time away from the UK, was spotted enjoying the sunshine in a pair of purple swim trunks while wading in the water. His appearance comes ahead of a scheduled court hearing in London, where he is expected to return next month.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Brand had been charged with one count each of rape, indecent assault, and oral rape, as well as two counts of sexual assault. The alleged offences involve four separate women and are said to have taken place between 1999 and 2005, in locations including Bournemouth and Westminster, London.
The investigation was launched following an exposé that brought the allegations to light. Since then, Brand has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that all of his past relationships were consensual.
Addressing the charges in a public video statement, Brand said:
“I’ve always told you guys that when I was young and single, before I had my wife and family—who are just out of shot over there, my beautiful children—I was a fool, man. I was a fool, man, before I lived in the light of the Lord. I was a drug addict, a sex addict, and an imbecile, but what I never was, was a rapist. I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity, I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes.”
He also thanked his supporters for standing by him as he prepares to defend himself in court.
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