Russell Brand Charged with Rape and Sexual Assault
Comedian and actor Russell Brand has recently been formally charged with multiple offenses, including rape and sexual assault. These developments emerged from an investigation orchestrated by the Metropolitan Police in London, as announced by the U.K.’s Crown Prosecution Service on Friday.
Specifically, Brand faces serious allegations including one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. His court appearance is set for May 2.
Brand’s Response to the Allegations
In light of the charges, Brand took to social media to share a video response, asserting, “I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity. I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes.”
Throughout the video, Brand expressed his perspective on the current legal environment in the U.K., remarking on the public’s distrust in governmental institutions. He stated, “We’re very fortunate in a way to live in a time when there’s so little trust in the British government… the law has become a kind of weapon against people and institutions.” Furthermore, he encouraged viewers to reflect on the judicial process, questioning, “How do you feel about your legal system right now?”
In a confessional tone, Brand recounted his past, admitting to being “a fool” before embracing a more pious lifestyle, stating, “I was a drug addict, a sex addict, and an imbecile. But what I never was was a rapist.” He concluded his statement by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to confront these allegations in court.
My response. pic.twitter.com/wJMGxlwBh0
— Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) April 4, 2025
Nature of the Allegations
The accusations against Brand stem from incidents that occurred over two decades. Notably, a 1999 rape allegation in Bournemouth, alongside a 2001 indecent assault in Westminster. Additional counts of oral rape and sexual assault were reported in 2004, with further allegations surfacing from 2004 to 2005.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy from the Metropolitan Police emphasized that ongoing support is available for the women who have reported these offenses. He encouraged anyone with relevant information to come forward. “The investigation remains open,” Furphy confirmed.
Media Scrutiny and Past Allegations
The police investigation commenced in September 2023, catalyzed by allegations exposed in a report by Channel 4’s Dispatches and The Sunday Times. One reported incident involved a relationship Brand had with a 16-year-old when he was 31, noted for its emotionally abusive and controlling nature. Another allegation referenced an incident of rape in Los Angeles in 2012.
Brand has denied all allegations, which range from 2006 to 2013, a time when he achieved notable fame with projects like Big Brother’s Big Mouth and Kings of Comedy. A subsequent investigation by Banijay U.K. highlighted that concerns regarding Brand’s behavior had been raised more than 20 years ago on set.
Moreover, an inquiry into Brand’s conduct at the BBC, particularly during his tenures with 6 Music and Radio 2 from 2006 to 2008, unveiled that many colleagues felt pressured to remain silent about his behavior, often believing he “would always get his way.” The BBC later issued apologies to its staff for these findings, particularly regarding serious allegations, including one of indecent exposure.
Currently residing outside the U.K., Brand has undergone a significant personal transformation, having recently embraced Christianity. He aligns his past relationships with his belief that they were consensual.
April 4, 9:41 p.m. Updated with Brand’s statement.