This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
Russell Brand has formally been charged with rape and sexual assault. Brand began his career as a stand-up comedian and a host of the Big Brother spin-off, Big Brother’s Big Mouth, before starring in the Hollywood comedies Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek, and Arthur. Throughout his career, Brand has received media attention for his promiscuous lifestyle, drug use, and political opinions, including promoting COVID-19 denialism and conspiracy theories. In 2023, Brand was accused of sexual assault by four women.
Now, after an 18-month investigation by London’s Metropolitan Police, he has formally been charged with rape and sexual assault. According to Deadline, 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 police have “issued a charge and requisition” to Brand, who has a residence in Oxfordshire, South England, but has recently been living and working full-time in the United States.
Brand could potentially be taken into custody by U.S. authorities under an international arrest warrant, and the UK’s Home Office would need to file an official extradition request with Washington on behalf of the CPS to have him returned to the UK to face trial. Brand is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, May 2. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy shared the following statement:
The women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers. The Met’s investigation remains open and detectives ask anyone who has been affected by this case, or anyone who has any information, to come forward and speak with police. A dedicated team of investigators is available via email at CIT@met.police.uk.
More to come…
Source: Deadline