Jump directly to the content

RUSSELL Brand has broken his silence after being charged with rape and sexual assault over a seven-year period.

Detectives began investigating after receiving a number of allegations in September 2023.

Close-up of a man with long hair and a beard wearing a straw hat, speaking.
7
Russell Brand broke his silence in a video
Russell Brand holding his book, "Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions."
7
He has been charged with rape and sexual assault over a seven-year periodCredit: Getty
Russell Brand speaking in front of a wooden wall.
7
Brand will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 2Credit: Youtube/Russell Brand

It followed reporting by The Sunday Times and Channel 4's Dispatches.

In a video posted to X on Friday afternoon, Brand denied the alleged crimes.

He said: "I've always told you guys, when I was young and single, before I had my wife and family, I was a fool man.

"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 - I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes." 

Brand also went on a bizarre rant about the Government, Britain’s legal system and corruption.

The comedian and actor, 49, has been charged with one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape and two counts of sexual assault.

The Metropolitan Police said the charges relate to four women between 1999 and 2005.

Brand has previously denied the accusations, and said all his sexual relationships were "absolutely always consensual".

He is charged with the rape of a woman in 1999 in the Bournemouth area and the oral rape and sexual assault of a woman in 2004 in the Westminster area of London.

He has also been charged with indecently assaulting a woman in 2001 and sexually assaulting another woman between 2004 and 2005 - both offences are alleged to have taken place in Westminster, London.

Russell Brand charged with string of rape and sex assaults against four women over seven-year period

Brand will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 2.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said: "The women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers.

"The Met's investigation remains open and detectives ask anyone who has been affected by this case, or anyone who has any information, to come forward and speak with police.

"A dedicated team of investigators is available via email at [email protected].

"Support is also available by contacting the independent charity, Rape Crisis at 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line."

Jaswant Narwal, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "We have today authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Russell Brand with a number of sexual offences.

"We carefully reviewed the evidence after a police investigation into allegations made following the broadcast of a Channel 4 documentary in September 2023.

"We have concluded that Russell Brand should be charged with offences including rape, sexual assault and indecent assault.

"These relate to reported non-recent offences between 1999 and 2005, involving four women.

"He will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court for a first hearing on Friday May 2, 2025.

"The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.

"It is extremely important that there be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

Brand was briefly married to pop star Katy Perry between 2010 and 2012.

He hosted shows on radio and television, wrote memoirs charting his battles with drugs and alcohol and appeared in several Hollywood movies.

Read More on The Sun

In recent years, Brand has largely disappeared from mainstream media but has built up a large following online with videos mixing wellness and conspiracy theories.

He recently said he had moved to the United States.

Russell Brand and Brandon Lake onstage at the Riviera Theater in South Carolina.
7
Brand joined Brandon Love at The Riviera Theatre in South Carolina last nightCredit: instagram
Russell Brand walking down the street.
7
Detectives began investigating in September 2023 after receiving a number of allegationsCredit: Getty
Russell Brand leaving a hot yoga class.
7
The alleged incidents took place between 1999 and 2005Credit: Clint Brewer Photography / BackGrid
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 07: Host Russell Brand performs on stage at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards at Paramount Pictures Studios on September 7, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
7
Brand has previously denied the accusationsCredit: Getty
Topics