Comedian and actor Russell Brand has been formally charged by the Metropolitan Police in connection with multiple sexual offences, including rape. The charges follow a detailed investigation that began in September 2023 after a series of allegations emerged, prompting police action.
Brand, 48, faces five charges in total: one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. The alleged offences occurred between 1999 and 2005 and involve four women.
According to police statements, it is alleged that in 1999, a woman was raped in the Bournemouth area. In 2001, another woman was reportedly indecently assaulted in Westminster. In 2004, a third woman claims she was orally raped and sexually assaulted, also in Westminster. Additionally, between 2004 and 2005, a fourth woman alleges she was sexually assaulted in the same area.
Russell Brand is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 2 May 2025. He has consistently denied the allegations since they first surfaced, insisting that all his past relationships were consensual.
In a statement released on Friday, Brand addressed the charges directly:
“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.”
Brand added that he was grateful for the opportunity to defend himself in court, and thanked his supporters, urging them to “stay free” as he plans to continue speaking about the case on his show.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation for the Metropolitan Police, confirmed that the women involved continue to receive support from specially trained officers. “The Met’s investigation remains open,” he said, adding that anyone with information is encouraged to come forward.
Jaswant Narwal of the Crown Prosecution Service stated:
“We have today authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Russell Brand with a number of sexual offences. These relate to reported non-recent offences between 1999 and 2005, involving four women. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for a first hearing on Friday May 2, 2025.”
The CPS also reminded the public that criminal proceedings are now active and stressed the importance of avoiding any commentary or online discussion that could prejudice the trial.
Russell Brand rose to fame in the early 2000s, presenting shows like Big Brother’s Big Mouth and hosting on BBC Radio 2 between 2006 and 2008. He was previously married to pop singer Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012 and is currently married to Laura Gallacher, with whom he has two children.
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