Comedian and actor Russell Brand has been charged with two further serious sexual offences, the Metropolitan Police confirmed on 23 December 2025. The 50-year-old now faces an additional count of rape and one count of sexual assault, brought by two women not connected to his previous charges.
New Allegations and Court Date
Brand is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 20 January 2026 in relation to these new charges. Specific details of the allegations have not been made public, but police confirmed they involve two new complainants.
These latest charges are separate from five existing counts he is already contesting. Those earlier charges, involving four women, include two counts of rape, one count of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault. Brand pleaded not guilty to all of those charges earlier this year, with a trial set to begin at Southwark Crown Court on 16 June 2026.
Background of the Investigation
The police investigation began in September 2023 following a series of allegations. A joint investigation by Channel 4’s Dispatches and The Sunday Times subsequently reported alleged incidents occurring between the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The specifics of the earlier charges, as heard in court, include:
- An allegation that Brand raped a woman in a hotel room during a Labour Party conference in 1999.
- A claim that he indecently assaulted a woman by grabbing her forearm in an attempt to pull her into a male toilet at a television station in 2001.
- An accusation from a TV worker he met in Soho 21 years ago, alleging he grabbed her breasts and then orally raped her in a toilet.
- A complaint from a radio station worker who met Brand while he worked on Channel 4’s Big Brother’s Big Mouth between 2004 and 2005.
Brand's Response and Ongoing Support
Russell Brand has consistently denied all allegations against him. In a video posted on social media platform X, he stated he would defend himself in court and maintained his innocence. He described his past self as a "fool," a "drug addict," and a "sex addict," but strongly asserted: ‘what I never was, was a rapist.’ He has claimed all past encounters were consensual.
Detective Chief Inspector Tariq Farooqi, leading the Met investigation, stated: ‘The women who have made reports, including those connected to the two new charges, continue to receive support from specially trained officers.’ He urged anyone with information to come forward.
Support is available through Rape Crisis England & Wales. The charity offers a 24/7 support line for those aged 16 and over on 0808 500 2222.
