Russell Brand Faces New Sex Charges

Russell Brand Charged with Additional Counts of Rape and Sexual Assault

In a significant development in the ongoing legal case against comedian and actor Russell Brand, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed that the 50-year-old has been charged with two further serious sexual offenses. The new charges, authorized by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), allege one count of rape and one count of sexual assault against two separate women.

Details of the New Charges

The newly authorized offenses relate to incidents alleged to have occurred in 2009. These charges add to the five serious sexual offenses Brand already faces, which were formally announced in April 2025. The original charges, for which Brand has pleaded not guilty, include two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault involving four different women. These incidents are alleged to have taken place between 1999 and 2005 in London and Bournemouth.

Brand is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on January 20, 2026, specifically to address these two new charges. A separate trial date for the original five charges has been set for June 16, 2026, at Southwark Crown Court.

Brand's Defense and Previous Statements

Russell Brand has consistently denied all allegations. After the initial charges were made public in April 2025, he issued a statement acknowledging past behavior, stating he had been a "fool and a sex addict" in his younger days but emphatically declaring, "what I never was, was a rapist." He formally entered a plea of not guilty to all original charges during a hearing at Southwark Crown Court in May 2025.

Investigation Origins and Victim Support

The investigation into Brand's conduct began in September 2023 following extensive reporting by Channel 4's "Dispatches" program and The Sunday Times newspaper, which detailed allegations from multiple women. Detective Chief Inspector Tariq Farooqi of the Metropolitan Police has emphasized that the women who have come forward are receiving support from specially trained officers.

Background and Career Context

Russell Brand, born in Essex, rose to prominence as a provocative stand-up comedian and became a household name in the UK through his work as a presenter on shows like "Big Brother's Big Mouth" and his own radio programs on BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music. His career later expanded to Hollywood, where he starred in films such as "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "Get Him to the Greek." However, his public profile has been overshadowed by the serious legal proceedings unfolding in the UK.

What Happens Next?

The legal process against Russell Brand is now entering a critical phase. The January 20 hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court will determine how the new charges proceed. The subsequent trial starting on June 16, 2026, at Southwark Crown Court will address the original five charges. Both legal proceedings will be closely watched, given the high-profile nature of the defendant and the serious nature of the allegations.