Comedian and actor Russell Brand appeared in a UK court on May 2 to face charges of rape, sexual assault, and other offenses. The charges stem from alleged incidents in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including a rape in 1999, an incidental assault in 2001, and two counts of sexual assault in 2004.
Brand, who has previously denied any wrongdoing, was granted conditional bail and listened as the charges were laid out. The allegations against him follow a growing body of reporting in the British press that accused Brand of inappropriate sexual behavior.
The Metropolitan Police began investigating Brand in September 2023 after receiving multiple allegations. The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are asking anyone who has been affected by this case or has any information to come forward.
Brand’s behavior has raised concerns among his colleagues and former employees, with some alleging he was demanding and difficult to work with. The BBC, where Brand worked as a presenter, published a review of its handling of harassment complaints against him in January, revealing that power dynamics created a breeding ground for his “unacceptable” behavior.
Brand has taken a religious turn in recent years and has been involved in conspiracy circles on social media. He has denied ever engaging in non-consensual activity, saying he feels grateful to have the opportunity to defend himself in court.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support to survivors and their loved ones in English and Spanish.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/05/02/russell-brand-charges-sexual-assault-update/83406178007