Comedian and actor Russell Brand has responded to charges made against him relating to multiple sexual offenses after the Metropolitan police made the announcement.
Met police announced his charges
On Friday April 4, the Met Police announced that following an investigation, Brand had been charged with multiple sexual offenses relating to incidents with four separate women.
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The charges include one count of r*pe, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral r*pe and two counts of sexual assault.
Brand responded to news of these charges
While the actor is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2, he took to social media to respond to the news of these sexual assault charges.
He thanked his followers first
Brand first thanked his followers and fans for the “incredible and overwhelming messages of support” then went on to say that he was “grateful” to get to stand in front of the court.
In the response video he posted to his Instagram account, Brand also said that it was “fortunate” that the charges have come at a time when there’s “so little trust” in the justice system.
Brand claimed he was “fortunate” to get the charges
He said, “We’re very fortunate, I suppose, that this is happening at a time where we know that the law has become a kind of weapon to be used against people, institutions and sometimes entire nations, but will not accept and tolerate levels of corruption are unprecedented.”
He went on to direct his message to a particular group
“And I’m speaking particularly to those of you that are watching this in the UK,” Brand added. “How do you feel about your legal system right now? How do you feel about some of the high profile cases that are not being pursued and prosecuted? How do you feel that the Southport murders were handled. How do you feel about the government of Keir Starmer?”
Brand denied the charges made against him
The actor and comedian went on to deny charges made against him by the police. He said, “I’ve always told you guys that when I was young and single, before I had my wife and family were just about a shot over there, my beautiful children, 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 r*pist. I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity,” Brand added.
He asked people to believe him
As Brand denied the multiple charges of sexual assault, he asked people to believe him, then went on to promote his show.
He added, “I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes. I want to thank all of you for your continuing support. I want to let you know that our show will be on Rumble on Monday.”
Brand said he was “grateful”
As the video was coming to a close, Brand thanked his followers again and said he was “grateful” to get to defend the charges in court.
“Thanks for your support there. And of course, I’m now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. In the meantime, you lot stay free, and we will be continuing to discuss this matter. Praise the Lord,” Brand said.
Investigation into this began two years ago
Investigations into Brand began in September 2023 after detectives received complaints in response to the actor’s documentary Russell Brand: In Plain Sight.
Leading the investigation, Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy from the Met Police said, “The women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers.”
The investigation is staying open
Detective Superintendent Furphy continued, “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.”
