London’s Metropolitan Police announced on Friday that British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been formally charged with rape and several other sexual offences.
The charges include one count each of rape, indecent assault, and oral rape, along with two counts of sexual assault. These allegations stem from incidents reported to have occurred between 1999 and 2005 and involve four different women.
Jaswant Narwal of the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the charges, stating, “We have carefully reviewed the evidence following a police investigation that began after the airing of a Channel 4 documentary in September 2023. We have concluded that Russell Brand should be charged with a number of serious offences.”
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Met Police added that the investigation remains ongoing and urged anyone with relevant information to contact the authorities.
The charges include the alleged rape of a woman in Bournemouth in 1999, the oral rape and sexual assault of a woman in Westminster in 2004, the indecent assault of another woman in 2001, and a separate sexual assault between 2004 and 2005, also in Westminster.
Brand, known for his provocative comedy and brief marriage to pop star Katy Perry, is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2.