Russell Brand charged with rape and sexual assault as Met police issue statement

Russell Brand has been charged by the Metropolitan Police Service in connection with a number of sexual offences including rape. The Met has issued a charge and requisition to the comedian in connection with one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape and two counts of sexual assault.

Detectives began investigating in September 2023 after receiving a number of allegations, which followed reporting by Channel 4’s Dispatches and The Sunday Times.

It is alleged that in 1999 a woman was raped in the Bournemouth area, in 2001 a woman was indecently assaulted in the Westminster area of London and in 2004 a woman was orally raped and sexually assaulted in the Westminster area of London. It is also alleged that between 2004 and 2005, a woman was sexually assaulted in the Westminster area of London.

Russell Brand will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday 2 May. Brand has previously denied allegations against him and stressed his relationships were all consensual.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy from the Metropolitan Police who is leading the investigation 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 CIT@met.police.uk.

“Support is also available by contacting the independent charity, Rape Crisis at 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.”

Jaswant Narwal, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “We have today 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.

“We have concluded that Russell Brand should be charged with offences including rape, sexual assault and indecent assault. These relate to reported non-recent offences between 1999 and 2005, involving four women. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for a first hearing on Friday May 2 2025.

“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.”

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