Comedian and actor Russell Brand has been officially charged with a series of serious sexual offences, the Metropolitan Police confirmed on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Once known for his flamboyant comedy and Hollywood appearances, Brand has more recently become a polarizing figure as a right-wing commentator.
Now, he's facing legal consequences after being charged with one count of r*pe, one count of indecent a**ault, one count of oral r*pe, and two counts of sexual a**ault.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is heading the investigation, stated: “The women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers.”
He emphasized the ongoing nature of the case, urging the public to assist where possible.
“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],” he said.
Furphy also encouraged those impacted by sexual violence to seek help, noting, “Support is also available by contacting the independent charity, R*pe Crisis at 24/7 R*pe and Sexual Abuse Support Line.”
Brand has not made a public statement since the charges were announced.
The allegations against Russell Brand first gained widespread attention through a high-profile 2023 investigation jointly carried out by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches.
Their findings were presented in the documentary Russell Brand: In Plain Sight, which aired in September of that year and included claims from several women accusing the comedian of rape, sexual assault, and controlling behavior.
One woman alleged that Brand raped her at his home in Los Angeles. Another claimed she was sexually assaulted by Brand when she was 16 years old and still in school, describing the relationship as emotionally abusive and exploitative.
A third said he assaulted her while she worked with him professionally. Each woman’s account was supported by years-old medical records, text messages, and therapy notes, which were featured in the documentary.
The Dispatches film presented a picture of a man whose off-screen behavior, according to the accusers, stood in stark contrast to the provocative public persona he was known for.
Though Brand had long been branded as a "lothario" in the media, the women interviewed said that label masked deeply troubling experiences. Some said they were left traumatized by encounters with him but felt powerless to speak out due to his fame and influence at the time.
In response to the documentary’s release, Brand posted a video denying the accusations. He said: “I absolutely refute the very serious allegations that have been made against me.” Brand added that all of his past relationships were “absolutely always consensual” and suggested that the reports were part of a coordinated media attack against him.
The investigation prompted a wave of additional complaints to law enforcement. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that several women had come forward following the documentary, with some cases involving non-recent offences. Investigators said they were reviewing all reports thoroughly.