Russell Brand Charged with Rape and Sexual Offences

Russell Brand has been formally charged with multiple sexual offences alleged to have occurred between 1999 and 2005. The charges, brought by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), include one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. They involve four separate women.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the allegations stem from incidents reported in Bournemouth and Westminster. These include:

• Rape of a woman in Bournemouth in 1999

• Indecent assault in Westminster in 2001

• Oral rape and sexual assault in Westminster in 2004

• Sexual assault in Westminster between 2004 and 2005

Brand, who is currently believed to be in the United States, is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2. If he does not voluntarily return to the UK, authorities may consider extradition.

In response to the charges, Brand said in a video posted to X (formerly Twitter), “What I never was, was a rapist. I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity… I’m now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.”

The charges follow a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches, which aired in September 2023 and revealed serious allegations against the comedian and media personality.

In February 2024, a separate civil suit alleging personal injury and sexual abuse was filed against Brand at the High Court by an anonymous woman referred to as AGX.

Jaswant Narwal of the CPS stated, “We have concluded that Russell Brand should be charged with offences including rape, sexual assault and indecent assault… The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.”

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police urged anyone with information to contact their dedicated team or seek support from Rape Crisis.

Background on Russell Brand

Brand rose to fame as a stand-up comedian in the early 2000s before becoming a prominent broadcaster, hosting shows like Big Brother’s Big Mouth, and later the NME, MTV, and Brit Awards. He also had a stint in Hollywood, appearing in films such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek.

His career has often been marked by controversy, including a scandal in 2008 over offensive phone calls made on his BBC Radio 2 show, which led to his departure from the network.

In recent years, Brand has reinvented himself as an online commentator and wellness advocate, gaining a large following for his videos on YouTube that frequently challenge mainstream narratives and promote alternative viewpoints.