Katy Perry's Ex Russell Brand Accused Of Rape, Oral Rape And Assault: What You Need To Know

Russell Brand/Instagram

Russell Brand, the once-lauded British comedian and actor, has been formally charged with multiple sexual offences by the Metropolitan Police, including two counts of rape. According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the charges relate to serious, non-recent offences alleged to have occurred between 1999 and 2005 involving four women.

The 50-year-old, whose career has spanned television, radio, stand-up, and Hollywood films, is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 2 May.

Details Of The Charges

Per an official statement from the CPS, Brand has been charged with one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. The charges follow a lengthy investigation launched in September 2023 by the Metropolitan Police after multiple women came forward with allegations following a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4's Dispatches programme.

The allegations include claims of rape in Bournemouth in 1999, indecent assault in Westminster in 2001, oral rape and sexual assault in 2004, and a further sexual assault between 2004 and 2005 in the same area.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the inquiry, confirmed the investigation remains active and encouraged anyone affected or with relevant information to come forward. According to the Met, the victims are currently receiving support from specially trained officers.

Brand Denies Allegations

Brand has publicly denied all allegations. In a video posted online in September 2023, he referred to the media reports as a "litany of extremely egregious and aggressive attacks" and insisted that all of his past relationships were "absolutely always consensual".

Rise To Fame And Controversy

Brand first gained popularity in the early 2000s as a provocative stand-up comic and radio host. He later rose to international fame for his roles in films like Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek, as well as his high-profile marriage to American singer Katy Perry. His offbeat, often controversial persona fuelled both his rise and his many professional setbacks.

His media career, however, was marred by frequent controversies. He was dismissed from MTV in 2001 after turning up to work dressed as Osama bin Laden the day after the September 11 attacks. He was later sacked from XFM and the BBC for a series of inappropriate incidents, including the infamous 2008 Sachsgate scandal involving actor Andrew Sachs.

2023 Allegations And Media Investigation

In 2023, The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4 aired disturbing testimonies from several women who accused Brand of sexual assault and abusive behaviour between 2006 and 2013. One woman, who used the pseudonym Nadia, alleged that Brand raped her at his home while another woman, referred to as Alice, claimed she was 16 when their relationship began and that he sexually assaulted her.

According to reporting from The Guardian and The New York Times, additional accusations have since surfaced, prompting two separate police forces—the Met and Thames Valley Police—to confirm they are investigating. Thames Valley Police acknowledged receiving information about alleged harassment and stalking incidents involving Brand from 2018 to 2022.

Fallout And Legal Proceedings

Following the allegations, Brand's talent agency, publisher, and YouTube monetisation partnerships were all severed. His planned nationwide tour was postponed, and the BBC launched a review into his employment history between 2006 and 2008.

The full legal process is now underway. Prosecutors and police have urged the public and media to avoid commentary that could risk contempt of court. For now, Brand remains free pending his first court appearance, but the case marks a dramatic fall from grace for one of Britain's most divisive entertainers.