Russell Brand has been charged with two new offences, including a count of rape, according to the Metropolitan Police. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorized this additional charge along with a charge of sexual assault involving two women.
This marks a significant development in a series of allegations against the 50-year-old entertainer. Before this, he had pleaded not guilty to five charges: two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault. These charges stem from incidents involving four women.
Brand is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on January 20, 2026, regarding the new charges. The allegations linked to these charges reportedly occurred in 2009. The CPS emphasized that these are separate cases from the earlier allegations.
The police began to look into these claims after reports from the Sunday Times, the Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches surfaced in September 2023. The initial charges date back to incidents between 1999 and 2005, primarily in central London and Bournemouth. For instance, Brand is accused of raping a woman in Bournemouth in 1999.
In light of these serious charges, Detective Chief Inspector Tariq Farooqi from the Metropolitan Police mentioned that the women involved are receiving support from specially trained officers.
Brand, originally from Essex, gained fame as a stand-up comedian and became widely known for hosting shows like Big Brother’s Big Mouth. He later moved into Hollywood, starring in films like Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him To The Greek.
This case highlights a broader conversation about accountability in the entertainment industry. According to a study by the UK’s Office for National Statistics, reports of sexual offences have increased in recent years, reflecting a growing willingness among victims to come forward.
As we follow this ongoing situation, social media has seen a flurry of reactions, with many users expressing support for the victims and calling for a thorough investigation. The unfolding of these events reminds us how essential it is to listen to and support those who have experienced trauma, particularly in high-profile cases.
For ongoing updates, you can refer to trusted news sources like the BBC and The Guardian.
