Comedian Russell Brand has been charged with two counts of rape and multiple sexual assaults, the Metropolitan Police has said.
The actor has been charged over incidents dating back more than 20 years, with the alleged offences taking place between 1999 and 2005.
It comes after detectives began investigating in September 2023 after receiving a number of allegations following reporting by Channel 4‘s Dispatches and The Sunday Times.
Brand is charged with the rape of a woman in 1999 in the Bournemouth area and the oral rape and sexual assault of a woman in 2004 in the Westminster area of London.
He has also been charged with indecently assaulting a woman in 2001 and sexually assaulting another woman between 2004 and 2005 – both alleged to have taken place in Westminster, London.
Brand is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday May 2.
Russell Brand has been charged with two rapes and multiple sexual assaults
Following the decision to charge Brand, Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy from the Metropolitan Police, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘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 CIT@met.police.uk.
‘Support is also available by contacting the independent charity Rape Crisis.’
Jaswant Narwal of the Crown Prosecution Service said: ‘We have today authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Russell Brand with a number of sexual offences.
‘We carefully reviewed the evidence after a police investigation into allegations made following the broadcast of a Channel 4 documentary in September 2023.
‘We have concluded that Russell Brand should be charged with offences including rape, sexual assault and indecent assault.
‘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 2 May 2025.
‘The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.
‘It is extremely important that there be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.’
This is a breaking story, more to follow…
