Comedian and actor faces charges related to four women, with alleged incidents spanning from 1999 to 2005; Brand is set to appear in court on May 2.
London, April 4 — Comedian and actor Russell Brand has been officially charged with rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault, according to an announcement by London’s Metropolitan Police. The charges relate to four separate women, with the alleged incidents occurring between 1999 and 2005.
The charges come months after a joint investigation by the Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches in September 2023 brought forward multiple serious allegations against the 50-year-old entertainer.
Though Brand has denied all allegations, he has reportedly been interviewed multiple times as part of the ongoing investigation.
“The women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers,” said Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who leads the case. “The Met’s investigation remains open, and we encourage anyone with information to come forward.”
Brand, who has spent recent years largely based in the United States, is scheduled to appear at London’s Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2.
Fallout and Ongoing Scrutiny
Following the explosive 2023 exposé, Brand’s live tour was postponed, and his publishing deal with Pan Macmillan’s Bluebird imprint was suspended. The BBC removed content featuring Brand from its platforms, stating it fell “below public expectations.” Additional complaints and allegations have since surfaced, leading to a broader inquiry involving both the Met and Thames Valley Police.
Earlier this year, the BBC issued a formal apology to staff following an internal review into Brand’s time at the broadcaster, admitting that some past complaints were not handled properly. This included an incident involving Brand urinating into a cup on air, and another in which he allegedly exposed himself to a woman in the BBC’s Los Angeles office.
From Stardom to Controversy
Once a dominant figure on UK television and a breakout Hollywood actor in films like “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Pineapple Express”, Brand had transitioned into a controversial online commentator in recent years. With a large social media following, he frequently engaged with right-wing narratives, openly supported Donald Trump, and discussed his Christian faith at public events, even appearing alongside Tucker Carlson.
The unfolding legal proceedings mark a dramatic turning point in Brand’s public life, and his court appearance in May is expected to draw significant attention both in the UK and internationally.