Russell Brand Hit With Fresh Rape And Sexual Assault Charges Days After TPUSA Event Appearance

Russell Brand faces two new charges of rape and sexual assault, adding to five existing allegations involving four women, covering incidents between 1999 and 2005.

The investigation began in 2023 following Channel 4 and The Sunday Times reports. The actor appeared in court in May and denied all allegations, and a four-week trial for the initial charges has been set for next summer.

Russell Brand, now a political podcaster, divides his time between the UK and the US, with three children with his wife, Laura Gallacher.

Russell Brand Charged With Two New Counts Of Rape And Sexual Assault

Russell Brand, 50, has been hit with two additional charges of rape and sexual assault, adding to the five existing allegations he faces, which include rape, oral rape, indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault involving four women. He appeared in court in May and pleaded not guilty to the initial charges.

According to reports, the new allegations involve two more women, according to the Metropolitan Police.

Detective Chief Inspector Tariq Farooqi, leading the investigation, said the "women who have made reports, including those connected to the two new charges, continue to receive support from specially trained officers."

He added, "The Met's investigation remains ongoing, and detectives urge anyone affected by this case, or anyone with information, to come forward and speak with police."

Brand is scheduled to appear in court next month over the two new charges, which allegedly occurred in 2009.

Lionel Idan, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS, stated these charges stem from separate, non-recent allegations and that prosecutors "worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring these additional charges to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue further criminal proceedings."

The new charges come days after Brand's appearance at the Turning Point USA event in Phoenix, Arizona, where he made headlines for his remarks about his ex-wife Katy Perry's new partner, Justin Trudeau.

Historic Sexual Assault Allegations Against Russell Brand Head To Trial Next Summer

The investigation began in September 2023 following multiple reports, prompted by Channel 4's Dispatches and The Sunday Times. The initial allegations cover incidents between 1999 and 2005.

Among the accusations, Brand is alleged to have raped a woman at a hotel in 1999 after meeting her at a theatrical event post-Labour Party conference in Bournemouth.

He is also accused of raping a television worker in Soho in 2004, allegedly forcing a sexual act after grabbing her.

Another woman claims the comedian tried to drag her into a male restroom and assaulted her in 2001.

A final allegation involves an assault on a radio station worker during his tenure on "Big Brother's Big Mouth" in 2004–2005.

The Comedian Has Denied The Allegations

A four-week trial for the original five charges is scheduled to begin next summer at Southwark Crown Court.

After being charged in April, Brand stated, "What I never was was a rapist. I've never engaged in nonconsensual activity."

He added, "I'm now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court, and I'm incredibly grateful for that."

In another video, Brand insisted that he had never raped anyone and accused the British government of using the law as a "weapon."

The comedian said, "I've always told you guys that when I was young and single before I had my wife and family ... I was a fool, man. 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," Brand continued per The Blast. "I've never engaged in nonconsensual activities. I pray you can tell that by looking in my eyes."

Russell Brand Returns To UK For Pre-Trial Hearings Despite US Residency And MAGA Ties

Although Brand has been living in the US and is known to have connections with MAGA figures, he appeared in London for pre-trial hearings, avoiding an anticipated extradition battle.

Following the initial reports, internal investigations by the BBC, Channel 4, and Big Brother producer Banijay were launched, uncovering further allegations and prompting apologies.

The BBC's recent report highlighted staff at its UK L.A. bureau "joked about" an incident in which Brand allegedly exposed himself.

Channel 4 also uncovered two new concerning allegations, while Brand was previously accused in a lawsuit of sexually assaulting a film extra on the 2011 "Arthur" set.

The Rise, Reinvention, And Controversies Of Russell Brand

At the peak of his career, Brand appeared in several popular Hollywood movies, including "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "Get Him to the Greek."

Beyond acting, he was a sought-after stand-up comedian and hosted spin-off programs for "Big Brother," such as "Big Brother's Big Mouth" and "Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack."

Brand also ran a show on BBC Radio 2 from 2006 to 2008, but he stepped down after leaving a controversial voicemail for "Fawlty Towers" actor Andrew Sachs regarding Sachs' granddaughter.

In recent years, he has reinvented himself as a political podcaster with an anti-woke perspective, dividing his time between the UK and the US.

Previously married to pop star Katy Perry, Brand now has three children with his current wife, Laura Gallacher, who is 37.