Former comedian Russell Brand is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today after he was charged with allegations of rape and sexual assault by the Metropolitan Police last month
Ex comedian Russell Brand is due to appear in court today after being charged with rape and sexual assault last month.
He is expected at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, with a hearing scheduled to begin at 10am this morning.
Brand, 49, is charged with a number of alleged crimes dating back to 1999, following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police. On Friday April 4, the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service issued statements to announce Brand’s charges.
Police began investigating Brand in September 2023 after receiving a number of reports, which followed allegations made by a report from Channel 4’s Dispatches and The Sunday Times. The Met later concluded Brand should be charged in connection with alleged offences between 1999 and 2005, involving four women.
The former comedian, TV and film star will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for a pre-trial hearing today. It is understood Brand lives in the US and the charges were posted to him.
On Friday April 4, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed Brand had been charged in a statement. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, shared details about the case.
He 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.”
He continued: “A dedicated team of investigators is available via email at CIT@met.police.uk. Support is also available by contacting the independent charity, Rape Crisis at 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service, Jaswant Narwal, said: “We have today 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. 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.”
She added: “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.”
Following the announcement of the charges, Brand denied the allegations in a video shared on his Instagram. Speaking in the video released shortly after the charges were announced, 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.”
Source: Mirror
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