Rhianna Benson
Earlier today, Tyla reported that British comedian Russell Brand has been charged with a number of sexual offences.
The accusations against him first came to light in September 2023, when four women claimed he'd raped them.
The victims' claims emerged as part of a joint investigation by Channel 4 documentary, Dispatches, and The Times, and alleged that Brand had abused them between the years 2006 and 2013.
The actor - who was employed by the BBC at the time - denied the accusations, claiming any relationships he'd enjoyed whilst in the spotlight had been entirely consensual.
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In a YouTube video uploaded days later, Brand accused the media of orchestrating a coordinated attack against him, adding: "Amidst this litany of astonishing, rather baroque attacks are some very serious allegations that I absolutely refute.
"Now, during that time of promiscuity, the relationships I had were absolutely always consensual. I was always transparent about that then, almost too transparent, and I'm being transparent about it now as well."
A statement released by Metropolitan Police Service today (4 Apr), however, rules that the comedian has since been charged with numerous counts of sexual abuse.
"The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge a man following an investigation by detectives," the official statement read.
"The Met has issued a charge and requisition to Russell Brand, 50 (04.02.1975), of Oxfordshire, in connection with the following offences."
The offences listed are 'one count of rape', 'one count of indecent assault', 'one count of oral rape' and 'two counts of sexual assault."
The official statement continued: "Detectives began investigating in September 2023 after receiving a number of allegations, which followed reporting by Channel 4’s Dispatches and The Sunday Times."
As per the charges, the statement alleges 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', and 'between 2004 and 2005, a woman was sexually assaulted in the Westminster area of London'.
"Russell Brand will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, 2 May," the statement continued.
Andy Furphy - a Detective Superintendent from the Metropolitan Police - has since issued a further details relating to the case.
"The women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers," he announced.
"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."
The charges brought against Brand relate to four separate women - all of whom have asked to remain anonymous.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.