Brand's battle: Comedian hit with new rape and assault charges

Russell Brand faces fresh rape & sexual assault charges as police investigate historic allegations spanning six women – court dates set for 2026 trial.

The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised further criminal charges following an ongoing investigation by the Metropolitan Police into allegations of historic sexual offending by a 50-year-old former BBC Radio 2 presenter.

Police confirmed that Russell Brand, 50, of Oxfordshire, has now been charged with one further count of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to two additional women, with the alleged offences said to have occurred in 2009.

The newly authorised charges are in addition to five offences approved by prosecutors in April 2025, comprising two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault involving four women.

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In total, the allegations now before the courts concern six separate women spanning a ten year period between 1999 and 2009

The alleged offences are said to have occurred during a period in which Brand was establishing himself as a stand-up comedian and broadcaster, appearing on platforms including the BBC and Channel 4.

Brand later became a well-known figure in online conspiracy theory and commentary circles, appearing in interviews with commentators such as Joe Rogan and Jordan Peterson, beginning in the 2010s.

Over this period he shifted from longstanding anti-establishment left-wing views toward more libertarian and right-leaning positions, leading to appearances on shows including Tucker Carlson Tonight and The Rubin Report.

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He had previously been known for outspoken political commentary, including public support for Barack Obama during the 2008 United States presidential election.

In September 2023, detectives launched an investigation into allegations against Russell Brand after they were exposed by investigative reports from The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches.

The BBC and Channel Four have previously acknowledged failings in their historical handling of complaints and concerns relating to Brand’s conduct during the 2000s, issuing public apologies following internal reviews.

Those matters are separate from the current criminal proceedings.

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Brand is due to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 20 January 2026 in relation to the additional allegations.

A trial concerning the original charges is scheduled to begin at Southwark Crown Court on 16 June 2026.

Detective Chief Inspector Tariq Farooqi, who is leading the investigation, said complainants continue to receive support from specially trained officers and urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.

The investigation remains ongoing, and reporting restrictions apply while criminal proceedings are active.

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