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British comedian and actor Russell Brand appeared in court on Friday to face five charges of rape and other sexual offences. The 49-year-old celebrity, who gained international fame as the husband of pop star Katy Perry and for his provocative comedy routines, was formally charged last month after a police investigation into allegations made in the wake of a Channel 4 documentary broadcast in September 2023.
Dressed in a dark open-necked shirt and gold-framed sunglasses, Brand made his way through a crowd of media and onlookers outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court for his first court hearing. He did not speak to the press as he arrived.
Brand faces two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault, all relating to incidents alleged to have occurred between 1999 and 2005, involving four women. The charges include the rape of a woman in 1999 in the Bournemouth area, as well as the oral rape and sexual assault of another woman in 2004 in central London. He is also accused of indecently assaulting a woman in 2001 and sexually assaulting another between 2004 and 2005, both in Westminster.
In a video posted to X (formerly Twitter) following his charges, Brand denied all accusations, stating he was “grateful” for the opportunity to defend himself. He explained, “I was a fool 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.”
The investigation, led by London’s Metropolitan Police, is ongoing, with authorities urging anyone affected or with information to come forward.
Brand, who is believed to now live in the United States, began his career as a stand-up comedian in his teens before rising to fame with his provocative style. He later transitioned into Hollywood, gaining a reputation as an anti-establishment figure and conspiracy theorist. With millions of online followers, including almost seven million YouTube subscribers, Brand has maintained a significant online presence.
Previously, Brand hosted a show on BBC Radio 2 and presented a “Big Brother” spin-off before leaving the BBC after a controversial on-air prank. He was married to Katy Perry between 2010 and 2012 and is currently married to author and illustrator Laura Gallacher, with whom he has three children.
