British authorities have formally charged comedian and conspiracy theorist Russell Brand with multiple sexual offenses, including rape, following an 18-month investigation. The Metropolitan Police announced on Friday that the 50-year-old faces one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault.
The charges stem from allegations made by four women, with the alleged crimes occurring between 1999 and 2005. Brand is accused of raping a woman in 1999 in Bournemouth, England, and of orally raping and sexually assaulting another woman in central London in 2004. Additional charges include indecent assault in 2001 and sexual assault between 2004 and 2005.
Prosecutor Jaswant Narwal of Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service stated, "We have today authorized the Metropolitan Police to charge Russell Brand with a number of sexual offenses." She added that prosecutors had "carefully reviewed the evidence" following a police investigation triggered by a 2023 Channel 4 documentary.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy confirmed the investigation remains ongoing and encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact authorities.
Brand, once a prominent UK television personality and Hollywood actor, has denied all allegations. In a video posted on X on Friday, he admitted to past struggles with addiction but vehemently rejected claims of non-consensual acts.
"I was a fool... I was a drug addict, a sex addict, and an imbecile, but what I never was was a rapist," he said. "I've never engaged in non-consensual activity."
Brand rose to fame as a risqué stand-up comedian and host of radio and TV shows. He authored memoirs detailing his battles with substance abuse, starred in films such as Get Him to the Greek, and was married to pop star Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012.
In recent years, he has largely retreated from mainstream media, instead cultivating a large online following with content blending wellness advice and conspiracy theories. Following the 2023 documentary, he publicly embraced Christianity and announced a move to the U.S.
Brand is scheduled to appear in a London court on May 2. The Crown Prosecution Service emphasized that criminal proceedings are active and that the defendant is entitled to a fair trial.