Russell Brand Charged with Rape and Multiple Sexual Offences Following 18-Month Police Investigation -

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British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been formally charged with multiple sexual offenses, including rape, following an 18-month investigation by the Metropolitan Police. The 50-year-old faces five serious charges stemming from alleged incidents involving four women between 1999 and 2005 in London and Bournemouth.

The charges include one count of rape, one count of oral rape, one count of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault. These developments follow an explosive joint investigation by a Channel in September 2023, which brought multiple allegations to light and prompted police inquiries.

Brand is due to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2. However, he is believed to be currently residing in the United States. In such cases, if voluntary cooperation is not secured, extradition may be considered.

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According to police statements, the alleged offenses occurred as follows: a woman was raped in Bournemouth in 1999; a second woman was indecently assaulted in Westminster in 2001; a third was orally raped and sexually assaulted in Westminster in 2004; and a fourth woman was sexually assaulted in Westminster between 2004 and 2005.

In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Brand denied the allegations, stating, “What I never was, was a rapist. I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity.” He added that he looked forward to defending himself in court.

Jaswant Narwal of the Crown Prosecution Service emphasized the importance of a fair trial and warned against prejudicial commentary or online sharing. “We have concluded that Russell Brand should be charged… There must be no reporting or commentary that could prejudice these proceedings.”

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The police investigation remains ongoing, with detectives encouraging other potential victims or informants to come forward. Support is available through a dedicated police team and Rape Crisis services.

Brand, who rose to fame in the early 2000s as a comedian and television host, later transitioned to Hollywood and gained a large online following for his often controversial views on politics, wellness, and conspiracy theories. In 2023, he faced a civil suit filed by an anonymous woman for “personal injury” and “sexual abuse.”

Despite the serious charges, Brand maintains his innocence and has expressed confidence in the legal process.