Actor and comedian Russell Brand has been charged with serious sexual offences. The charges include rape, indecent assault, oral rape and two counts of sexual assault.
Brand will appear in court in London on 2 May. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the court date in a statement on Friday.
Investigation Began After 2023 Media Reports
The Metropolitan Police launched its investigation in September 2023. The investigation followed reports from Channel 4’s Dispatches and The Sunday Times.
Police said the allegations relate to four separate women. These offences allegedly took place between 1999 and 2005 in various parts of England.
Figure 1: Russell Brand faces allegations to have raped 4 separate women
Allegations Span Six Years and Multiple Locations
Brand allegedly raped a woman in 1999 in the Bournemouth area. He also allegedly indecently assaulted a woman in Westminster in 2001.
Another woman accused him of oral rape and sexual assault in Westminster in 2004. Police said a fourth woman was sexually assaulted between 2004 and 2005, also in Westminster.
Police Urge Others to Come Forward
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy leads the investigation. He confirmed support remains available for the women involved.
“The women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers,” said Furphy.
“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.”
CPS Authorises Charges Following Review of Evidence
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised the charges after reviewing the police investigation. Prosecutor Jaswant Narwal issued a statement on Friday.
“We carefully reviewed the evidence after a police investigation into allegations made following the broadcast of a Channel 4 documentary in September 2023,” said Narwal.
“We have concluded that Russell Brand should be charged with offences including rape, sexual assault and indecent assault.”
Narwal added: “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.”
Brand Denies Allegations in Public Video
Brand responded publicly in a video posted on Instagram. He repeated his earlier denial of the allegations.
He said he had “never engaged in non-consensual activity” and stated that he was “grateful” for the opportunity to defend himself in court.
My response. pic.twitter.com/wJMGxlwBh0
— Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) April 4, 2025
Multiple Media Outlets Conduct Internal Reviews
Following the 2023 documentary, Channel 4, Banijay UK, and the BBC launched internal reviews. Banijay UK owns the company that produced some Channel 4 programs Brand worked on.
Banijay UK’s investigation found that informally raised concerns about Brand’s behaviour were “not properly escalated or adequately addressed”.
Channel 4 said it found “no evidence” staff were aware of the specific accusations in the Dispatches program.
The BBC’s January 2024 review said some employees “felt unable to raise” concerns about Brand during his time at the corporation.
Allegations Extend Beyond Police Charges
In Dispatches, four women alleged assaults between 2006 and 2013. This period coincides with Brand’s work for Channel 4 and the BBC, as well as his Hollywood film career.
The documentary aired shortly before the Metropolitan Police received numerous allegations. These resulted in the current charges.
Brand presented a BBC Radio 2 show from 2006 to 2008. He left the program following the “Sachsgate” scandal.
In that incident, he and fellow presenter Jonathan Ross left offensive voicemail messages for actor Andrew Sachs.
Career Spanned Media, Film, and Politics
Brand gained fame in Britain on the show Big Brother’s Big Mouth. He later starred in films including St Trinian’s and Arthur.
He endorsed Labour leader Ed Miliband in the 2015 general election. In recent years, It shifted politically, aligning with far-right commentators and Donald Trump supporters.
Brand interviewed Donald Trump Jr. in Florida in 2024. He currently lives in the United States.
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Reinvention and Online Following
This now focuses on podcasting and video content. He has a significant online following on platforms such as YouTube and Rumble.
In 2024, It was baptised in the River Thames. Adventurer and broadcaster Bear Grylls reportedly participated in the ceremony.
Brand said the ceremony marked a turning point in his personal journey.
Ongoing Public and Legal Scrutiny
The decision to charge follows months of scrutiny. The CPS confirmed in November 2024 that it had received an evidence file from detectives.
Police continue to appeal for additional witnesses or victims. Authorities remain committed to providing support and confidentiality.
It’s legal case is set to proceed on 2 May in London. Court proceedings will determine the outcome of the charges.
