Library picture: Russell Brand
Controversial comic Russell Brand has been charged with rape and sexual assault.
The Metropolitan Police said Brand had been charged with one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape and two counts of sexual assault.
Brand is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2nd.
He was told about the charges through legal documents sent through the post.
The 49-year-old star is currently living in America with his family.
He could face extradition if he doesn’t comply with the Westminster court summons.
The charges come after an investigation by Channel 4’s Dispatches and the Sunday Times newspaper.
Detectives looked into allegations against Brand after several women came forward.
The comedian is charged with the rape of a woman in 1999 in the Bournemouth area.
He also faces charges of oral rape and sexual assault of a woman in 2004 in the Westminster area of London.
Det Supt 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].”
Jaswant Narwal, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said:
“We have 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.
“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.”
