Comedian-actor Russel Brand charged with rape and sexual assault

London's Metropolitan Police reported that comedian and actor Russell Brand has been charged with one count each of rape, indecent assault and oral rape as well as two counts of sexual assault.

Brand became known over the world as singer Katy Perry's former husband after forging a career as a stand-up comedian with risque routines. The allegations which were levied upon him by four different women, is said to have happened between 1999 and 2005.

Speaking to The Guardian, Deputy Superintendent Andy Furphy said, "The women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers." He confirmed that the investigation remains open and encouraged people who have been affected by this case to come forward and speak.

Russel Brand was married to Perry for over a year. He denied the charges in an X video he posted, saying, "I've never engaged in non-consensual activity. I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes." He admitted that he was "a drug addict, a sex addict and an imbecile, but was never a rapist."

"I'm now gonna have the opportunity to defend these charges in court, and I'm incredibly grateful for that. In the meantime, you lot stay free," he added.

Brand, originally from Essex, gained recognition as a stand-up comedian, with performances at the Hackney Empire in 2000 and later at the Edinburgh Fringe. He eventually transitioned into broadcasting, presenting shows on national television and radio.

Brand’s career included hosting BBC radio shows, notably on 6 Music and Radio 2, between 2006 and 2008. However, a major scandal erupted in 2008 after he made inappropriate phone calls to *Fawlty Towers* actor Andrew Sachs during a broadcast, which ultimately led to his dismissal.

He later made a comeback with a successful Hollywood career, appearing in films such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek.

In recent years, especially since the onset of the Covid pandemic in 2020, Brand has taken a different path. He expanded his presence on YouTube, gaining a significant following by discussing scepticism around the pandemic.

He has since reinvented himself as a Christian, undergoing baptism in the River Thames in 2024 during a ceremony that also featured adventurer and broadcaster Bear Grylls.