London police charge comedian Russell Brand with rape, other offenses

Brand in 2011
Image: Eva Rinaldi.

Friday, April 11, 2025 

On April 4, English comedian Russell Brand was charged with rape, indecent assault, sexual assault and other offenses. by the London Metropolitan Police. The charges dated back to a period between 1999 and 2005, during which Brand was employed by the BBC and MTV.

Brand was not arrested following the announcement of the charges, and was scheduled to appear in court on May 2.

The investigation had been ongoing since October of 2023, when four women came forward with allegations.

Russell denied the allegations when they first emerged, stating that while he has described some of his past encounters as "promiscuous," they were always consensual.

Sources

• Noor Nanji. "Russell Brand charged with rape and sexual assault" — BBC, April 4, 2025
• Ingrid Vasquez and Kirsty Hatcher. "Russell Brand Charged with Rape and Sexual Assault, Will Appear in Court in May: Police" — People, April 4, 2025
• Bill Chappell. "Comedian Russell Brand is charged with rape and assault in U.K." — NPR, April 4, 2025