Who is Russell Brand? British comedian, actor facing rape and sexual assault charges | World News

British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been charged with several serious sexual offences, including rape, following a long-running police investigation, according to the BBC.The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the 49-year-old will face charges relating to four different women, with the alleged incidents taking place between 1999 and 2005. Brand, who is currently believed to be in the United States, has been asked to appear at Westminster Magrates’ Court on May 2.
In a statement shared the BBC, the Met Police said Brand is being charged with one count of rape, one of indecent assault, one count of oral rape, and two further counts of sexual assault.
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Who is Russell Brand?
Russell Brand is a British comedian, actor, and former TV and radio presenter. He rose to fame in the early 2000s with his energetic stand-up performances and quickly became a household name in the UK.

Brand later hosted radio shows on BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Radio 2, and fronted several television programmes, particularly on Channel 4. He also starred in a number of Hollywood films, including ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ and ‘Get Him to the Greek’. Known for his outspoken personality, Brand has also become a controversial figure in recent years, with a strong online presence discussing politics and spirituality.
What are the charges?
According to the BBC, Russell Brand has been charged with a number of serious sexual offences the Metropolitan Police. The charges relate to incidents involving four different women, allegedly taking place between 1999 and 2005. The charges include:
In 1999, a woman was reportedly raped in the Bournemouth area.Story continues below this ad
In 2001, another woman was allegedly indecently assaulted in Westminster, London.
In 2004, a woman said she was orally raped and sexually assaulted in Westminster.
Between 2004 and 2005, a fourth woman reported being sexually assaulted, also in Westminster.
How did this come about?
The police investigation began after a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary aired in September 2023, alongside a joint investigation The Sunday Times and The Times. These reports featured multiple women accusing Brand of serious misconduct.Story continues below this ad
Jaswant Narwal of the Crown Prosecution Service told the BBC, “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.”
“These relate to reported non-recent offences between 1999 and 2005, involving four women,” Narwal added. “The defendant has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there be no commentary or online sharing of information that could affect the proceedings.”
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, told the BBC,  “The women who have come forward are receiving support from specially trained officers. Our investigation remains open, and we urge anyone with information or anyone who has been affected to contact us.”
He said those with information can email the dedicated team at CIT@met.police.uk, and added that support is also available via the independent charity Rape Crisis, which runs a 24/7 helpline.Story continues below this ad
He has previously denied all allegations, calling them “very, very hurtful” and saying his past relationships were “always consensual.”
(With inputs from agencies)