Russell Brand Investigated for Historic Sexual Assault Allegations as Police Seek Charges

 

Detectives investigating historical allegations of sexual assault against actor and comedian Russell Brand have requested prosecutors to consider filing charges against him. This development follows a joint inquiry by Channel 4’s Dispatches and the Sunday Times, published in September 2023, which detailed accusations from four women against Brand, including allegations of rape, sexual assault, and emotional abuse.

The incidents in question reportedly occurred between 2006 and 2013, during a period when the 49-year-old Brand was at the peak of his career, notably as a presenter on BBC Radio 2 and Channel 4, as well as in Hollywood films like Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Brand has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that all of his sexual relationships have been "absolutely always consensual."

In response to the initial media reports, the Metropolitan Police confirmed they had received multiple allegations of sexual offenses occurring in London and across the UK. As of Saturday, the police stated that a man in his 40s, identified as Brand, had been interviewed under caution on three occasions. They also noted that a file of evidence has been forwarded to the Crown Prosecution Service for review.

Among the allegations, one woman claimed that she began a relationship with Brand when she was 16 years old and he was 31, describing it as emotionally abusive and controlling. Another woman alleged that Brand raped her in his Los Angeles home in 2012, stating she sought treatment at a rape crisis center on the same day and subsequently informed him that she felt scared and taken advantage of. Brand reportedly apologized in response.

A third accuser alleged that she was sexually assaulted by Brand while working with him in Los Angeles, claiming he threatened her with legal action if she disclosed the incident. A fourth woman also accused Brand of sexual assault and described him as having been physically and emotionally abusive towards her.

The women who have come forward do not know each other and have predominantly chosen to remain anonymous. Following the publication of these allegations, the BBC and Channel 4 removed content featuring Brand from their platforms, and YouTube ceased monetization of his videos.