Russell Brand responds to rape, sexual assault charges

The charges stem from an investigation, which began in September 2023, when several alleged victims came forward.

Russell Brand has been charged with rape, indecent assault and sexual assault of four separate women, London’s Metropolitan Police announced Friday.

The charges stem from an investigation into the actor and comedian, which began in September 2023, after several alleged victims came forward.

“The women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers,” Det. Supt. Andy Furphy said in a statement. “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.”

According to Deadline, the investigation was sparked by allegations reported by Channel 4 and The Sunday Times in 2023, when four women came forward to report being sexually assaulted or raped by Brand. The accusers have not been identified.

The Get Him To The Greek actor has denied the allegations, saying his relationships were “always consensual.”

Authorities allege that Brand raped a woman in Bournemouth in 1999, indecently assaulted a woman in 2001 in Westminster, London, orally raped and sexually assaulted a woman in Westminster in 2004, and sexually assaulted a woman in Westminster between 2004 and 2005.

Brand has denied similar assault and abuse claims in the past.

He responded to the charges Friday, saying in a video posted to social media that he has “never engaged in non-consensual activity.”