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Russell Brand has been formally charged with multiple offenses, including rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault, which reportedly occurred between 1999 and 2005.
These charges involve allegations made by four different women.
Brand has participated in numerous police interviews following a comprehensive investigation by the *Sunday Times*, *Times*, and *Channel 4’s Dispatches*, which surfaced serious claims against him in September 2023.
In a new video shared on X, Brand asserted, “What I never was, was a rapist. I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity.”
He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to defend himself against these allegations in court.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Brand has been charged with one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault.
The specific allegations include:
- In 1999, a woman was raped in Bournemouth.
- In 2001, a woman faced indecent assault in Westminster, London.
- In 2004, a woman was orally raped and sexually assaulted in Westminster, London.
- Between 2004 and 2005, another woman was sexually assaulted in Westminster, London.
Brand is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2, but he is thought to currently be in the United States.
In cases where a suspect is abroad, prosecutors work to negotiate their return; if cooperation is not established, extradition may be pursued.
Earlier in February, a civil lawsuit involving “personal injury” and “sexual abuse” was filed against Brand in the High Court in London by an unnamed woman referred to as AGX in the legal documents.
Police Investigation
Jaswant Narwal from the Crown Prosecution Service stated that they have authorized the Metropolitan Police to proceed with charges against Russell Brand for numerous sexual offenses.
The decision follows a thorough review of evidence gathered during the investigation triggered by allegations after a Channel 4 documentary in September 2023.
The Crown Prosecution Service emphasized that the criminal case is ongoing and that Brand is entitled to a fair trial, urging that no reporting should compromise the integrity of these proceedings.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, leading the investigation, mentioned that the women who reported these incidents are receiving support from specially trained officers.
He encouraged anyone else affected by this situation, or those with information, to contact the police, while also prompting individuals in need of support to reach out to the independent charity, Rape Crisis, which offers 24/7 assistance for sexual abuse cases.
Alamy
Born in Essex, Brand gained fame as a stand-up comedian, initially performing at the Hackney Empire in 2000 and later at the Edinburgh Fringe.
He subsequently transitioned into hosting national television and radio shows.
His career breakthrough came in the mid-2000s with his role in *Big Brother’s Big Mouth*, a companion show to the popular reality series.
This led to Brand becoming a highly sought-after presenter in the UK, hosting NME, MTV, and Brit award ceremonies, along with leading his own debate series and the UK segment of the charity concert Live Earth.
Despite his success, Brand’s career has often been marred by controversy, particularly during live award shows.
He also had a tenure on BBC radio from 2006 to 2008, but a major scandal involving inappropriate phone calls ultimately resulted in his firing.
He rebounded in Hollywood, acting in films such as *Forgetting Sarah Marshall* and *Get Him To The Greek*, while more recently developing his online presence by discussing skepticism towards mainstream narratives, particularly during the Covid pandemic, amassing a dedicated following for his views on societal and political matters.
