Russell Brand has been seen in public after the former comedian and actor was charged by The Metropolitan Police following allegations of rape and sexual assault
Russell Brand has broken his cover after he received the news that he was being charged with rape and sexual assault. The former comedian and actor who now lives in Florida was given the news via the post as he has not been in London for some time.
On Friday, officers from London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed that they had charged Brand, 49, with one count each of rape, indecent assault and oral rape, as well as two counts of sexual assault, relating to four separate women, and issued a court summons. The alleged incidents took place between 1999 and 2005.
Brand has continued to deny the allegations and insists that all of his sexual encounters were “absolutely always consensual.” Speaking on Friday, he told his social media followers that prior to meeting his wife and starting a family he was a “fool” but strongly denied being a rapist.
Now, the former BBC broadcaster has been seen in public. Russell was seen enjoying a day out in Florida as he prepares to head back to the UK next month to appear in court. The Forgetting Sarah Marshall actor was seen smiling as he soaked up the sun in Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island.
In pictures obtained by The Sun, the star wore a pair of purple swimming trunks as he went about his day in the water. The investigation was launched after a joint Channel 4 Dispatches and Sunday Times report.
He has been charged with the rape of a woman in 1999 in the Bournemouth area and the oral rape and sexual assault of a woman in 2004 in the Westminster area of London. He has also been charged with indecently assaulting a woman in 2001 and sexually assaulting another woman between 2004 and 2005 – both offences are alleged to have taken place in Westminster, London.
Addressing the charge, Brand said: “I’ve always told you guys that when I was young and single, before I had my wife and family who are just out of shot over there, my beautiful children, I was a fool, man. I was a fool, man, before I lived in the light of the Lord. I was a drug addict, a sex addict, and an imbecile, but what I never was, was a rapist. I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity, I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes. I want to thank all of you for your continuing support.
“I want let you know that our show will be on Rumble on Monday, thanks for your support there. And of course I’m now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court and I’m incredibly grateful for that. In the meantime you lot, stay free. and we will be continuing to discuss this matter. Praise the Lord.”
Detective superintendent Andy Furphy from the Metropolitan Police said: “The women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers. The Met’s investigation remains open and detectives ask anyone who has been affected by this case, or anyone who has any information, to come forward and speak with police.
“A dedicated team of investigators is available via email at [email protected]. Support is also available by contacting the independent charity, Rape Crisis at 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.” Brand is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday May 2. His lawyers have also stated that he will be flying back into London for the hearing in just under four weeks.
Jaswant Narwal, of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said: “We have today [Friday] authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Russell Brand with a number of sexual offences. We carefully reviewed the evidence after a police investigation into allegations made following the broadcast of a Channel 4 documentary in September 2023.”
Ms Narwal added: “We have concluded that Russell Brand should be charged with offences including rape, sexual assault and indecent assault. These relate to reported non-recent offences between 1999 and 2005, involving four women. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for a first hearing on Friday May 2 2025.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
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