The Metropolitan Police of London formally charged comedian and actor Russell Brand on 4 April 2025. Brand faces one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. The charges involve four separate women and span incidents from 1999 to 2005.
Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prosecutor Jaswant Narwal stated that authorities thoroughly reviewed the evidence. Narwal confirmed the decision to charge Brand, saying the evidence supported multiple serious allegations. The investigation began in September 2023 following reports from Channel 4’s Dispatches and The Sunday Times.
Russell brand faces two new charges
Timeline of Alleged Incidents
The first allegation involves a 1999 incident in Bournemouth, where prosecutors claim Brand raped a woman. A second woman alleges indecent assault occurred in Westminster during 2001. The third complainant reports oral rape and sexual assault in Westminster in 2004. A fourth woman claims Brand sexually assaulted her in Westminster between 2004 and 2005.
These dates correspond to a period when Brand was prominent in British entertainment. He hosted Big Brother’s Big Mouth and worked in radio and television during these years. The allegations span a critical phase of his rising career in the entertainment industry.
Timeline of alleged incidents
Court Appearance and Bail Decision
Brand appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 2 May 2025. The hearing lasted approximately twelve to fourteen minutes. Brand confirmed his identity, age of 49, and address during the brief session.
The court granted Brand conditional bail pending trial. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring authorised the bail arrangement. Brand must return to the Old Bailey on 30 May 2025 for further proceedings.
At his first appearance, Brand stood in a plexiglass enclosure while charges were read. He listened without displaying visible emotion as prosecutor Suki Dhadda outlined the allegations. Some reports noted he wore sunglasses and an unbuttoned dark shirt as he entered the courthouse.
Plea of Not Guilty Entered
Russell Brand appeared at Southwark Crown Court on 30 May 2025. He entered a formal plea of not guilty to all five charges. The 49-year-old stated “not guilty” after each count was read aloud in court.
Brand’s legal representatives did not immediately comment on his behalf. However, the actor had previously issued statements denying all allegations since they emerged in September 2023.
Russell Brand pleaded “not guilty” at Southwark Crown Court
Brand’s Defence and Public Statements
Brand released a video statement on social media addressing the charges. He stated, “I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord. I was a drug addict, a sex addict and an imbecile. But what I never was was a rapist. I’ve never engaged in nonconsensual activities.”
He added that he prays people can discern his honesty by observing his sincerity. Brand has consistently maintained that all sexual encounters involved willing participants. He refuted the allegations since they first surfaced two years prior.
On social media platform X, Brand informed his 112 million followers that he looked forward to demonstrating his innocence. He emphasised that he welcomed the opportunity to clear his name through the legal process.
Merry Christmas brothers and sisters. Accept all things, even trials as gifts from God. Jesus is real. pic.twitter.com/SnV5FWzhak
— Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) December 23, 2025
Investigation Background
Metropolitan Police detectives launched their investigation in September 2023. The inquiry followed allegations published jointly by Channel 4’s Dispatches and The Sunday Times. The Channel 4 documentary featured four women accusing Brand of sexual assault or rape.
Channel 4 and production company Banijay announced internal investigations into Brand’s conduct. The BBC also reviewed his tenure at the broadcaster, particularly his time hosting Radio 2 from 2006 to 2008.
An investigation by Banijay UK revealed that informal complaints about Brand’s behaviour had been raised informally during his employment. However, concerns were reportedly “not properly escalated or adequately addressed.” The BBC found that several individuals felt “unable to raise” concerns about his conduct.
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Career Context and Current Status
Russell Brand previously hosted BBC Radio 2 from 2006 to 2008. He departed following the controversial “Sachsgate” incident involving an inappropriate voicemail to actor Andrew Sachs. Brand was formerly married to American pop singer Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012.
Brand stepped back from traditional media and developed a significant following on YouTube and social media. Reports indicate he relocated to the United States, with sources suggesting he currently resides in Florida. Despite his relocation, he surrendered to British authorities and appeared in court for proceedings.
Trial Scheduled for 2026
The trial is scheduled to commence on 3 June 2026 at Southwark Crown Court. Brand will remain on conditional bail until the trial begins. The judge set strict bail conditions requiring Brand to attend all court appearances.
The CPS emphasised that criminal proceedings are ongoing and the accused remains entitled to a fair trial. Prosecutors stated that reporting, commentary, or online sharing must not prejudice proceedings. The case represents a significant legal matter involving serious allegations spanning several decades.
