On Friday (April 4), British authorities charged Russell Brand with rape and sexual assault after an 18-month inquiry was initiated following allegations from four women who claimed they had been assaulted by the provocative comedian.
The Metropolitan Police of London stated that Brand, 50, is facing a charge of rape, along with charges of indecent assault, oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault.
Brand has denied engaging in any form of “non-consensual” sexual interactions.
The alleged incidents involve four women and occurred between 1999 and 2005 — with one taking place in the coastal town of Bournemouth and the other three in Westminster, central London.
Authorities mentioned that the investigation is ongoing and encouraged anyone with pertinent information to reach out to them.
In September 2023, UK media channels Channel 4 and the Sunday Times reported allegations from four women claiming they were sexually assaulted or raped by Brand. The identities of the accusers have not been disclosed.
The comedian, writer, and Get Him to the Greek star has been questioned by police regarding the allegations, which he firmly denies.
In a video shared on X on Friday, Brand stated, “I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity. I hope you can perceive that by looking into my eyes.”
He went on to say, “I’m now afforded the chance to contest these allegations in court, and I’m immensely thankful for that.”
Brand, known for his uninhibited and edgy standup performances, has hosted radio and television shows, written autobiographies detailing his struggles with addiction, appeared in numerous Hollywood films, and was briefly married to pop singer Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012.
Recently, Brand has mostly stepped back from mainstream media but has amassed a significant online following with videos that blend wellness topics and conspiracy theories. He has stated that he has relocated to the United States.
Brand is scheduled to appear in a London court on May 2.
Jaswant Narwal from the Crown Prosecution Service in Britain remarked that prosecutors “thoroughly examined the evidence after a police probe into claims made following the airing of a Channel 4 documentary in September 2023.
“We have determined that Russell Brand is to be charged with offenses such as rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault,” Narwal stated.
“The Crown Prosecution Service emphasizes that criminal proceedings are ongoing, and the defendant is entitled to a fair trial.”
In January, the BBC expressed regret to its staff who felt unable to report Brand’s behavior due to his fame. Brand hosted two weekly radio programs on the BBC from 2006 to 2008 and participated intermittently in various short-term projects.
The BBC acknowledged that it is “evident that presenters have historically been able to misuse their positions.”
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
