Russell Brand charged with rape, sexual assault by UK police

UK police have charged British comedian and actor Russell Brand with rape and other sexual offences against four women.

Brand, who is 50, is suspected of one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape and two counts of sexual assault, London's Metropolitan Police said in a statement, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

Police added that Brand will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London early next month.

The comedian, who has recently repositioned himself as a social commentator, has previously denied the allegations.

Police began investigating Brand in September 2023 after receiving charges following a joint investigation led by three British media outlets - The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4's "Dispatches".

According to the Met Police, a woman is alleged to have been raped in 1999 in Bournemouth, southern England; a woman was indecently assaulted in the Westminster area of ​​London in 2001; a woman was orally raped and sexually assaulted in 2004 also in the Westminster area of ​​London; and a woman was sexually assaulted between 2004-2005 in the Westminster area of ​​London.

Brand took to X to respond to the news, echoing his denial of the allegations.

"I was a fool, but what I never was was a rapist. I never engaged in non-consensual activity, and I pray that you can see that by looking into my eyes," he added, thanking people for sending messages of support.

Brand has appeared in numerous Hollywood films and hosted radio and TV shows in the UK. He was also married to American pop star Katy Perry between 2010-2012.