Comedian Russell Brand charged with rape, indecent assault and sexual assault

Comedian and actor Russell Brand has been charged with one count each of rape, indecent assault and oral rape as well as two counts of sexual assault, the Metropolitan Police said.

Detectives began investigating in September 2023 after receiving a number of allegations, which followed reporting by Channel 4’s Dispatches and The Sunday Times.

According to the Met, 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 and between 2004 and 2005, a woman was sexually assaulted in the Westminster area of London.

The Metropolitan Police have now confirmed that Russell Brand has been charged with rape, indecent assault and sexual assault (Jeff Spicer / Stringer / Getty Images)

Brand will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, 2 May.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy from the Metropolitan Police who is leading the investigation said in a statement: "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 [email protected].

"Support is also available by contacting the independent charity, Rape Crisis at 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line."

Brand, who has millions of followers online, including 6.8 million subscribers on YouTube alone, previously posted a video preemptively denying the accusations against him in September of 2023 following the release of Channel 4's Russell Brand: In Plain Sight.

Detectives began investigating Brand September 2023 after receiving a number of allegations (John Lamparski / Contributor / Getty Images)

While accusing the media of planning a coordinated attack against him in his YouTube denial, he said: "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."

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.