British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been charged with multiple sexual offences dating back more than two decades, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced Friday. The 49-year-old, who rose to fame through controversial comedy and a high-profile marriage to pop star Katy Perry, now faces five charges linked to alleged incidents involving four women between 1999 and 2005.
Brand has been charged with one count of rape, one count of oral rape, one count of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault, according to London’s Metropolitan Police.
In a defiant video posted on X, Brand categorically denied the accusations.
“I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord,” he said. “I was a drug addict, a sex addict, and an imbecile, but what I never was, was a rapist. I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity.”
Jaswant Narwal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS, confirmed that charges were authorised following an extensive investigation by the Metropolitan Police, launched after a Channel 4 documentary aired in September 2023.
“We carefully reviewed the evidence… and have concluded that Russell Brand should be charged with offences including rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault,” Narwal stated.
Brand is due to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and urged others with information to come forward. “This case may be significant to others who have yet to speak with police,” he said.
According to police, the charges relate to alleged incidents in both the Bournemouth area and central London. They include the rape of a woman in 1999, the oral rape and sexual assault of a second woman in 2004, an indecent assault in 2001, and another sexual assault alleged to have occurred between 2004 and 2005.
The Press Association reported that Brand, who currently resides in the United States, was charged by post.
Brand’s career has spanned stand-up comedy, radio, film, and social commentary. Known initially for his flamboyant and often crude stage persona, he later rebranded as an anti-establishment voice, amassing millions of followers online through his conspiracy-driven commentary and criticism of mainstream narratives.
His previous stints include presenting roles on BBC Radio 2 and Channel 4, writing columns for The Guardian, and publishing two autobiographies. He is now married to author and illustrator Laura Gallacher, with whom he shares three children.
Brand said he is “grateful” for the opportunity to defend himself in court.
