Russell Brand has been formally charged with multiple sexual offences, including rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault, following an extensive investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
Four women are alleged to have been involved in the alleged violations, which are reported to have occurred in Westminster, London, between 1999 and 2005.
In a statement released by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Chief Crown Prosecutor Jaswant Narwal said, “We have carefully examined the evidence following a police investigation that began after a Channel 4 documentary aired in September 2023.”
Narwal added that the Metropolitan Police has now been given the go-ahead to press charges against Brand, emphasizing the importance of maintaining fairness in the legal process.
Brand, 48, responded to the allegations in a video posted on Instagram, where he firmly denied wrongdoing. He admitted to past struggles with drug and sex addiction but insisted he has never engaged in non-consensual activities.
“I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord… but what I never was, was a rapist,” he stated, urging people to see the truth in his eyes.
In the same video, Brand criticized the government, calling it “context”, and confirmed that his online show would return as scheduled on Monday.
He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to defend himself in court and urged his audience to “stay free.”
Brand has also been charged with indecently assaulting a woman in 2001 and sexually assaulting another between 2004 and 2005. He is set to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who leads the case, confirmed that the Met Police supports the alleged victims. He encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward, stating, “Our investigation remains active, and we have a dedicated team available for anyone affected by this case.” Those seeking assistance have been directed to contact authorities via CIT@met.police.uk or the Rape Crisis Support Line.
The investigation into Brand began after a joint exposé by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4 Dispatches in September 2023. In the wake of these allegations, Brand has repeatedly denied ever having engaged in non-consensual relationships.
The former MTV and BBC presenter resides in Florida and gained fame in the early 2000s. His career skyrocketed with roles in Big Brother’s Big Mouth, BBC 6 Music, and BBC Radio 2.
However, his time at the BBC ended in controversy following the 2008 ‘Sachsgate’ scandal, in which he and Jonathan Ross left offensive voicemails for late actor Andrew Sachs. The incident led to widespread backlash, a £150,000 fine for the BBC, and Brand’s resignation from his role.
Beyond television and radio, Brand became a Hollywood actor, starring in films such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Arthur, Rock of Ages, and Despicable Me. His last acting credit was in 2023 when he voiced a character in the animated film Under the Boardwalk.
Brand was previously married to pop star Katy Perry, after a whirlwind romance that began at the 2009 MTV VMAs. The pair wed in 2010 but divorced in 2012. He later married Laura Gallacher, the sister of TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher, and the couple now shares three children.
In recent years, Brand has embraced Christianity, publicly announcing his baptism in the River Thames, alongside TV survivalist Bear Grylls, in 2023.
