Russell Brand makes statement after being charged with rape

Actor and comedian Russell Brand said he has “never engaged in non-consensual activity” after he was charged with sexual offences, including rape.

In a video posted on X, Brand said: “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.”

Brand has been charged with one count each of rape, indecent assault and oral rape, as well as two counts of sexual assault, relating to four separate women, the Metropolitan Police said. It comes after detectives began investigating in September 2023 after receiving a number of allegations following reporting by Channel 4’s Dispatches and The Sunday Times.

He is charged with the rape of a woman in 1999 in the Bournemouth area and the oral rape and sexual assault of a woman in 2004 in the Westminster area of London. He has also been charged with indecently assaulting a woman in 2001 and sexually assaulting another woman between 2004 and 2005 – both alleged to have taken place in Westminster, London.

Brand will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, May 2.