Russell Brand Faces New Rape and Sexual Assault Charges in UK
UK comedian and influencer Russell Brand has been hit with two new charges of rape and sexual assault, announced by the Metropolitan Police on December 22, 2025, relating to alleged incidents in 2009 involving two additional women. This escalates ongoing proceedings where Brand, 50, already faces five charges one count of rape, one indecent assault, one oral rape, and two sexual assaults from 1999-2005 with four women, to which he pleaded not guilty in May 2025 at Southwark Crown Court. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) emphasizes active proceedings and urges no prejudicial reporting to protect fair trial rights.
Original Charges Timeline and Details
Brand’s legal troubles stem from a 2023 joint investigation by The Times, Sunday Times, and Channel 4 Dispatches, prompting police probes into non-recent complaints. Charged in April 2025, the initial allegations span:
- 1999: Rape of a woman in Bournemouth during a Labour Party conference.
- 2001: Indecent assault on a second woman.
- 2004: Oral rape and sexual assault on a third woman in Westminster.
- 2004-2005: Sexual assault on a fourth woman in Westminster.
He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2, 2025, granted bail, then pleaded not guilty on May 30 to all five counts at Southwark Crown Court, with trial set for June 3, 2026. Brand, from Hambleden, Buckinghamshire, denied wrongdoing, stating relationships were consensual.
| Original Charges | Date Range | Victims | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 1999 | 1 | Bournemouth |
| Indecent Assault | 2001 | 1 | N/A |
| Oral Rape & Sexual Assault | 2004 | 1 | Westminster |
| Sexual Assault | 2004-2005 | 1 | Westminster |
New Charges Specifics
The fresh accusations, authorized recently, involve one count of rape and one sexual assault against two women in 2009 separate from prior cases. Details remain limited pending court, but they expand the probe into Brand’s past, now totaling seven charges across six women. No court date announced yet; Brand’s team has not commented publicly on the update.
Prosecutor Suki Dhadda detailed earlier claims, including hotel rape and restroom assaults during Brand’s TV career (e.g., Big Brother’s Big Mouth). CPS head: “We have concluded that Russell Brand should be charged… He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court… It is extremely important that there be no reporting… which could prejudice these proceedings.”
Brand’s Denials and Legal Posture
Brand consistently refutes allegations, pleading “not guilty” to each original count in court while dressed formally, speaking only to confirm identity. Post-initial charges, he doubled down on social media denials, framing encounters as consensual amid his shift to conservative commentary. No plea entered yet on new charges; bail conditions persist.
His U.S. return preceded UK court dates; representatives ignored some media requests. Trial prep continues for 2026, potentially lengthy given multiple complainants.
CPS and Police Statements
CPS: “These relate to reported non-recent offences between 1999 and 2005, involving four women” (originals); reminds of fair trial imperatives. On new charges, Met Police confirmed additions from ongoing investigation.
No victim statements publicized; proceedings shield identities per UK law.
Media and Public Reactions
Global outlets like LA Times, Guardian, BBC, CNN, NPR, Deadline, and NYT covered extensively, noting Brand’s arc from comedian (Get Him to the Greek, Rock of Ages) to MAGA-aligned YouTuber. Sky News video highlighted “comedian charged with new offences.”
Reactions neutral-fact-based, adhering to contempt risks: focus on charges’ gravity, historical context (2023 exposures), Brand’s not guilty stance. No supporter backlash detailed; coverage stresses active case, avoiding speculation. Dawn (Pakistan) flagged international interest.[ equivalent]
| Key Coverage Outlets [Various web] | Angle |
|---|---|
| LA Times | Pleas, new charges details |
| Guardian | Court appearance summary |
| BBC | Plea hearing facts |
| CNN | Not guilty pleas |
Broader Context and Implications
Allegations trace to Brand’s peak fame (1999-2005 TV/radio), pre-recovery from addiction; 2023 media probe revived claims from 2006-2013 initially, evolving to charges. Six women total now; 2026 trial looms over his influencer career.
UK law mandates restraint: “Criminal proceedings are active… defendant has right to fair trial.” For “Russell Brand rape charges” searches, story evolves: from bail to pleas, now expansions presumption of innocence central.
This saga underscores #MeToo longevity in entertainment, with non-recent probes yielding action. Outcomes could reshape Brand’s public persona amid polarized views.
