Russell Brand faces grave charges of rape and assault, released on bail after tense court appearance

On Friday, May 2, British comedian and media personality Russell Brand was released on bail after appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where he faced a series of serious sexual offence charges, including rape, oral rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault.

The 49-year-old, who now lives in the United States, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and home addresses in both the UK and US. He also acknowledged understanding the conditions of his bail.

Brand has been formally charged with:

• One count of rape (alleged to have occurred in 1999 in the Bournemouth area),

• One count of oral rape and one count of sexual assault (alleged to have taken place in 2004 in Westminster, London),

• One count of indecent assault (alleged incident in 2001, involving grabbing a woman’s arm and dragging her toward a men’s toilet),

• Another sexual assault charge involving a different woman, between 2004 and 2005, also in Westminster.

These allegations, involving four separate women, were brought to light in September 2023 following a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches.

Brand arrived at court dressed in a black shirt unbuttoned to mid-chest, black jeans, and sunglasses, flanked by photographers and journalists. He remained silent under media scrutiny, appearing composed throughout.

Once inside, he removed his sunglasses, stood as the charges were read aloud, and confirmed his details to the judge. After the brief session, the case was referred to the Crown Court, informally known as the Old Bailey, where Brand is expected to appear again on May 30.

Brand has denied all allegations, stating previously:

“I have never engaged in non-consensual activity.”

Following his initial charge, he addressed supporters in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying:

“I am now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.”

Brand, once a household name on British television, rose to prominence through shows such as Big Brother’s Big Mouth and Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack. He later hosted a controversial stint on BBC Radio 2, which ended in scandal after the infamous “Sachsgate” voicemail incident in 2008.

He was married to pop star Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012, and is now married to Laura Gallacher, with whom he shares two daughters, Mabel and Peggy. Laura is the sister of broadcaster Kirsty Gallacher.