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British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been formally charged with several sexual offenses, including rape, indecent assault, oral rape, and sexual assault, allegedly committed between 1999 and 2005. The charges involve four different women and follow a joint investigation published in September 2023 by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4's Dispatches.
According to a statement by the Metropolitan Police, Brand is accused of raping a woman in Bournemouth in 1999, indecently assaulting another in London in 2001, and orally raping and sexually assaulting a another woman in London in 2004. He is also charged with sexually assaulting a fourth woman in Westminster between 2004 and 2005. He has been summoned to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 2 May 2025.
Brand, who is believed to currently reside in Florida, has consistently denied the allegations, stating that his relationships have been "absolutely always consensual." After the 2023 documentary aired, Brand responded via social media, describing the accusations as "a litany of extremely egregious and aggressive attacks" and calling the allegations "very, very hurtful."
Jaswant Narwal of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed, "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." She added, "The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial."
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, leading the investigation, stated: "The women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers." He urged anyone with information to contact the dedicated team of investigators or seek help from Rape Crisis.
Brand rose to fame in the early 2000s through stand-up comedy and television appearances on shows like Big Brother's Big Mouth. He went on to host award shows and appear in Hollywood films such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek. In recent years, he has gained attention as a political commentator and wellness advocate through his YouTube channel, which features conspiracy-laden content.
Despite the charges, Brand continues to make public appearances. At a recent Christian event in South Carolina, he expressed gratitude, saying, "I feel blessed to be in a community of people that are able to hold this incredible amount of change."
