British police charge comedian Russell Brand with rape and sexual
assault
[April 05, 2025]
By JILL LAWLESS
LONDON (AP) — British police on Friday charged Russell Brand with rape
and sexual assault following an 18-month investigation sparked when four
women alleged they had been assaulted by the controversial comedian.
London’s Metropolitan Police force said Brand, 50, faces one count of
rape, one of indecent assault, one of oral rape and two of sexual
assault.
Brand denied engaging in “non-consensual” sexual activity.
The alleged offenses involve four women and took place between 1999 and
2005 — one in the English seaside town of Bournemouth and the other
three in the Westminster area of central London.
Police said the investigation remains open and urged anyone with
relevant information to contact the force.
In September 2023, British media outlets Channel 4 and the Sunday Times
published claims by four women of being sexually assaulted or raped by
Brand. The accusers have not been identified.
The comedian, author and “Get Him To The Greek” actor has been
interviewed by police about the allegations, which he denies.
In a video posted Friday on X, Brand said “I’ve never engaged in
non-consensual activity. I pray that you can see that by looking in my
eyes.”
He added that "I am now going to have the opportunity to defend these
charges in court and I’m incredibly grateful for that.”
Known for his unbridled and risqué standup routines, Brand hosted shows
on radio and television, wrote memoirs charting his battles with drugs
and alcohol, appeared in several Hollywood movies and was briefly
married to pop star Katy Perry between 2010 and 2012.
[to top of second column]
|
Actor Russell Brand is seen during the Republican National
Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Matt
Rourke, file)
 In recent years, Brand has largely
disappeared from mainstream media but has built up a large following
online with videos mixing wellness and conspiracy theories. He
recently said he had moved to the United States.
Brand is due to appear in a London court on May 2.
Jaswant Narwal, of Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service, said
prosecutors “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,”
Narwal said.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal
proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair
trial.”
In January the BBC apologized to staff members who felt unable to
complain about Brand’s conduct because of his celebrity status.
Brand had two weekly radio shows on the BBC from 2006 to 2008 and
worked periodically on a number of short-term projects.
The BBC acknowledged that it was “clear that presenters have been
able to abuse their positions” in the past.
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved |
