British actor and podcaster Russell Brand has been charged with rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault relating to four different women, according to British authorities.
Incidents associated with the charges occurred from 1999 to 2005, and Brand, 49, is facing two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and indecent assault, according to England’s Crown Prosecution Service.
“We carefully reviewed the evidence after a police investigation into allegations made following the broadcast of a Channel 4 documentary in September 2023,” Chief Crown Prosecutor Jaswant Narwal said in a Friday statement.
“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.”
London’s Metropolitan Police have written to Brand to inform him of the charges and instruct him to appear before the Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2, according to a report.
“The women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers,” Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said. “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.”
Brand categorically denies the allegations of rape and sexual assault.
“When I was young and single before I had my wife and family … my beautiful children, I was a fool, man,” Brand said in a video statement posted to X Friday afternoon.
“I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord. 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.”
My response. pic.twitter.com/wJMGxlwBh0
— Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) April 4, 2025
Brand thanked his audience for the messages of support that have come his way since the charges were brought and highlighted the criticism of and lack of trust in the British government.
“We know that the law has become a kind of weapon to be used against people, institutions and sometimes entire nations that will not accept and tolerate levels of corruption that are unprecedented,” he said. “I’m speaking particularly to those of you that are watching this in the U.K. How do you feel about your legal system?”
ADOLESCENCE IS GRIPPING, BEAUTIFUL … PROPAGANDA
Brand is believed to be living in the United States, and British authorities would have to seek an agreement to bring him to the United Kingdom. Extradition will be considered if the suspect does not cooperate, according to the report.
“I’m now gonna have the opportunity to defend these charges in court, and I’m incredibly grateful for that,” Brand said. “In the meantime you lot, stay free, and we will be continuing to discuss this matter. Praise the Lord.”
