Russell Brand Charged with Rape and Sexual Assault in UK, Denies Allegations in Defiant Social Media Response

British comedian and actor Russell Brand faces five criminal charges—including rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault—following an 18-month investigation by London’s Metropolitan Police. The charges, announced April 4, 2025, relate to alleged incidents involving four women between 1999 and 2005, spanning locations in Bournemouth and London’s Westminster district. Brand, 50, is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2.

The Charges Brand faces one count of rape (1999, Bournemouth), one count of indecent assault (2001, Westminster), one count of oral rape (2003, Westminster), and two counts of sexual assault (2004–2005, Westminster). The investigation began in September 2023 after a Channel 4 documentary and reports by The Sunday Times and The Times detailed allegations from multiple women. Jaswant Narwal of the Crown Prosecution Service stated the charges followed a “comprehensive review of evidence” from the Met’s inquiry.

Brand’s Response Hours after the charges were made public, Brand posted a 90-second video on social media, dressed casually in a straw hat, denying all allegations. “I have never been a rapist. I’ve never participated in nonconsensual acts,” he said, acknowledging past “foolish” behavior during struggles with drug and sex addiction but insisting he had embraced a “more enlightened life” since marrying and starting a family. He accused the UK government of weaponizing legal systems against him and promoted an upcoming online program during the video.

Investigation and Support for Accusers Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy confirmed the four accusers are receiving “ongoing support from specially trained officers” and urged others with information to come forward. The Met emphasized the investigation remains active.

Broader Context The allegations follow a January 2025 BBC apology for mishandling harassment complaints against Brand during his early-2000s tenure at the network, where an internal review cited “unacceptable” behavior enabled by power imbalances. Brand, once a mainstream comedian and actor (Get Him to the Greek), has rebranded in recent years as a political commentator, often criticizing mainstream media and government institutions.

Legal and Geopolitical Complications Brand, who claims to reside in the U.S. full-time, stated on his Rumble channel that he left the UK due to fears of being “silenced” by authorities. Legal experts note potential extradition hurdles if he refuses to return voluntarily, requiring a formal request from Britain’s Home Office to U.S. authorities.

What’s Next The case will hinge on evidence presented in court, with Brand vowing to “defend these charges”. The proceedings mark a critical juncture for both the accusers and Brand, whose public persona has shifted dramatically since the alleged incidents occurred.

This story is developing. Updates will follow as the legal process unfolds.