Russell Brand has been granted bail after appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court to face serious charges of rape and sexual assault.
The 49-year-old comedian and actor is accused of offences against four women, allegedly committed between 2003 and 2013.
Brand, who recently returned from the US for the hearing, spoke only to confirm his identity and acknowledge his bail terms.
Wearing sunglasses and a casual shirt, he did not comment as he arrived through a crowd of reporters and photographers.
The most serious allegation relates to an incident in 1999, where Brand is accused of raping a woman in a Bournemouth hotel.
The woman alleges Brand removed her underwear and forced himself on her after she exited the bathroom.
A second charge involves an attempted indecent assault at a TV station, where Brand allegedly tried to drag a woman into a male toilet.
Brand faces one count of rape, one of oral rape, one indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault.
A third complainant, a television worker, claims Brand grabbed her breasts before allegedly forcing her into a toilet and orally raping her.
The fourth woman, who worked at a radio station, says Brand groped and kissed her while filming Big Brother’s Big Mouth.
The incidents are said to have taken place during the peak of Brand’s early media career.
He will next appear at the Old Bailey on 30 May to face the charges in full.
The charges stem from a 2023 investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches.
The investigation featured multiple women who accused Brand of sexual abuse and coercive behaviour.
Brand has strongly denied the claims, saying he “never engaged in non-consensual activity.”
In a video posted online, he said he welcomed the chance to clear his name in court.
Brand first rose to prominence in the early 2000s through TV presenting and stand-up comedy.
He later starred in films such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek.
In recent years, he has become known for his political and conspiracy theory commentary online.
The high-profile case continues to spark public debate and media scrutiny across the UK.
