British police have charged comedian Russell Brand with multiple counts of rape and assault, alleging incidents involving four women between 1999 and 2005. The Metropolitan Police in London allege that Brand raped a woman in Bournemouth in 1999, indecently assaulted another in London in 2001, and committed similar acts with two other women in London around 2004-2005.
Brand has previously denied the allegations, saying his relationships were consensual. However, he recently released a video stating that he was not a rapist and did not engage in non-consensual activities. The comedian is facing one count of rape, one count of oral rape, one count of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault.
Brand’s representatives have not commented on the charges, but his accusers’ identities remain private due to British law protecting victims of sexual assault unless they choose to waive their anonymity. Brand has been living in the US and recently attended a Republican National Convention event.
He will face his first hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on May 2.
Source: https://www.thecut.com/article/russell-brand-charged-with-rape-and-assault-in-the-u-k.html