Comedian and television personality Russell Brand has been formally charged with a series of serious sexual offences, including rape, indecent assault, oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault, according to the Metropolitan Police. The 49-year-old is facing allegations from four women concerning incidents that occurred between 1999 and 2005. The charges come in the wake of a detailed police investigation, which was initiated following numerous allegations made public after the airing of a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary in September 2023. The investigation also involved contributions from The Sunday Times.

Brand, who has a home in Oxfordshire, is accused of raping a woman in the Bournemouth area in 1999 and indecently assaulting a woman in Westminster, London, in 2001. The investigation has also led to allegations of oral rape and sexual assault involving another woman in Westminster in 2004. A fourth woman has also reported being sexually assaulted between 2004 and 2005 in the same area.

Jaswant Narwal of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated, “We have today authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Russell Brand with a number of sexual offences. These charges, which include rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault, relate to incidents between 1999 and 2005, and involve four women.” Narwal further emphasised the thorough nature of the investigation, noting that the charges come after a careful review of the evidence. The CPS also reminded the public that criminal proceedings are ongoing, and that Brand is entitled 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,” she said.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, reassured the public that the women making the reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers. “The Met's investigation remains open, and detectives encourage anyone who has been affected by this case or anyone with any relevant information to come forward,” Furphy said. The Metropolitan Police has made a dedicated team of investigators available for those who wish to provide further information. Russell Brand is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2, 2025, for a first hearing related to the charges. The case is expected to attract significant media attention, given Brand's high profile as a comedian, actor, and television presenter, best known for hosting Big Brother’s Big Mouth.