Russell Brand Faces Rape and Sexual Assault Charges in the U.K.

British comedian and actor Russell Brand has officially been charged with multiple sexual offenses, including two counts of rape, according to a statement released by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on April 4, 2025. The charges stem from alleged incidents involving four women between 1999 and 2005.

Brand, 50, is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on May 2 for a preliminary hearing.

The Allegations and Charges: A Timeline

The Metropolitan Police outlined the specific charges, which include:

• Rape in Bournemouth (1999)
• Indecent assault in London (2001)
• Oral rape and sexual assault in London (2004)
• Sexual assault of a fourth woman between 2004 and 2005 in London

These investigations were launched following a high-profile joint exposé in 2023 by The Sunday Times, The Times of London, and Channel 4, which uncovered serious allegations about Brand’s past behavior.

Brand Responds

In a video posted on social media, Brand denied all allegations, stating he has “never engaged in nonconsensual activity” and welcomes the opportunity to defend himself in court.

A Look at His Career

Russell Brand rose to fame in the early 2000s through edgy stand-up comedy and popular stints on BBC and MTV. He gained international recognition for roles in films like Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek, and briefly made headlines for his marriage to pop star Katy Perry.

In recent years, Brand has reinvented himself as a politically outspoken YouTuber, attracting over six million subscribers with content that frequently includes conspiracy theories and appearances by conservative figures like Tucker Carlson.

Ongoing Investigation

The Met Police confirmed that their investigation is still active and urged anyone with relevant information or experiences to come forward. Under U.K. law, the identities of those alleging sexual assault are protected unless they waive anonymity.

News Source: The New York Times