Russell Brand pleads not guilty to additional rape and sexual assault charges

Russell Brand has pleaded not guilty to additional rape and sexual assault charges against two more women.

In 2023, the 50-year-old was first accused of rape, assault and emotional abuse as part of a joint investigation by Channel 4’s Dispatches programme, The Times and The Sunday Times.

Then, in April of last year, Russell was charged with one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault.

According to the Metropolitan Police, these charges are in relation to a number of allegations between 1999 and 2005, made by four separate women.

The extra accusations, which pertain to alleged offences in London in 2009 involving two women, were made public in December.

On Tuesday morning, appearing at Southwark Crown Court, he denied the charges.

After entering a not guilty plea to two counts of rape, two counts of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault, the comedian is currently facing trial.

Detective Chief Inspector Tariq Farooqi from the Metropolitan Police who is leading the investigation, said: “The women who have made reports, including those connected to the two new charges, continue to receive support from specially trained officers.”

“The Met’s investigation remains ongoing, and detectives urge anyone affected by this case, or anyone with information, to come forward and speak with police.”

In a statement shared on his social media after the initial charges were announced, Russell denied the allegations, saying: “I’ve always told you guys that when I was young and single, before I had my wife and family who are just out of shot over there, my beautiful children, I was a fool, man.”

“I was a fool, man, 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. I want to thank all of you for your continuing support.”

He added: “Of course I am now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court and I’m incredibly grateful for that.”

In May, he entered his plea at Southwark Crown Court in London, and denied all five charges against him.

On June 16, 2026, a trial concerning the initial five charges is set to start in Southwark Crown Court.

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