Met Police Russell Brand statement in full as comedian charged with rape

Russell Brand has been charged with multiple sexual offences, including rape and indecent assault, the Metropolitan Police said. The comedian and actor is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 2 following an investigation by detectives that began in September 2023.

He is alleged to have committed the crimes - rape, indecent assault, oral rape, and sexual assault - against four separate women. The charges follow a number of allegations made against Brand between 2006 and 2013. The 50-year-old has vehemently denied any offences in a series of online videos.

"The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge a man following an investigation by detectives.

"The Met has issued a charge and requisition to Russell Brand, 50 (04.02.1975), of Oxfordshire, in connection with the following offences -

• One count of rape
• One count of indecent assault
• One count of oral rape
• Two counts of sexual assault

"Detectives began investigating in September 2023 after receiving a number of allegations, which followed reporting by Channel 4’s Dispatches and The Sunday Times.

"It is alleged that –

• In 1999 a woman was raped in the Bournemouth area
• In 2001 a woman was indecently assaulted in the Westminster area of London
• In 2004 a woman was orally raped and sexually assaulted in the Westminster area of London
• Between 2004 and 2005, a woman was sexually assaulted in the Westminster area of London

"Russell Brand will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, 2 May.

"Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy from the Metropolitan Police who is leading the investigation 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.'

"We urge responsible reporting in line with guidance from the Attorney General’s Office. Editors, publishers, and social media users should take legal advice to ensure they are in a position to fully comply with the obligations to which they are subject under the common law and Contempt of Court Act 1981.

"The charges relate to four separate women."