British comedian and actor Russell Brand, 50, faces new rape and sexual assault charges, according to UK police. The Metropolitan Police announced the charges on Tuesday, stating they relate to two additional women. Brand is now facing charges related to a total of six women following further police investigations.
The Crown Prosecution Service authorized the additional charges, which include one count of rape and one count of sexual assault. These new charges are in addition to the five charges issued to Brand in April 2025, which involved four women and included two counts of rape, one count of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault. Brand pleaded not guilty to the original five charges in May.
The alleged new offenses reportedly occurred in 2009. The initial charges stem from alleged incidents between 1999 and 2005, including one instance of rape in Bournemouth in 1999, indecent assault in Westminster in 2001, oral rape and sexual assault in Westminster in 2004, and sexual assault in Westminster between 2004 and 2005.
Brand is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on January 20, 2026, regarding the two new charges. A trial for the original five charges is set to begin at Southwark Crown Court on June 16, 2026. The trial is expected to last four to five weeks.
The Metropolitan Police began investigating the allegations in September 2023 after they were reported by Channel 4's Dispatches program and The Sunday Times newspaper. Detective Chief Inspector Tariq Farooqi stated that the women who have reported Brand's alleged behavior are receiving support from specially trained officers. He added that the police investigation is ongoing and urged anyone affected by the case or with information to come forward.
In response to the initial charges in April, Brand posted a video on X, stating that he was a "fool" before living "in the light of the Lord" and was a "drug addict, a sex addict, and an imbecile," but he is not a rapist and has never engaged in non-consensual activity.
Before these allegations surfaced, Brand was known for his career as a comedian, actor, and media personality. He gained prominence as an MTV presenter and stand-up comedian before appearing in films like "Get Him to the Greek" and "Rock of Ages". In recent years, Brand has shifted his focus to social commentary, building a large online following with videos discussing wellness, conspiracy theories, and religion.
Authorities urge responsible reporting in line with guidance from the Attorney General's Office. The Associated Press typically does not name victims of alleged sexual violence, and British law protects their identity from the media for life. Support is available through the independent charity Rape Crisis via their 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.
