Russell Brand charged with two more sexual offences - including rape, Met Police confirm
Comedian and actor Russell Brand has been charged with two more sexual offences - including rape - the Met Police has confirmed.
Russell Brand has been charged with two more sexual offences - including rape. The Met has confirmed the comedian and actor - who has already denied five other offences - faces an additional charge of rape and one of sexual assault against two women.
Earlier this year, the 50-year-old appeared at Southwark Crown Court, where he denied two counts of rape, one count of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault in relation to alleged offences between 1999 and 2005, involving four women.
But on Tuesday (December 23), The Met and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Brand faced the fresh charges, which involve two further victims. The alleged offences took place in 2009, the CPS said, and Brand is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on January 20.
In a social media post on Tuesday evening, Brand wrote: “Merry Christmas brothers and sisters. Accept all things, even trials as gifts from God. Jesus is real.”
Detective Chief Inspector Tariq Farooqi, who is leading the probe at the Met, said: “The women who have made reports, including those connected to the two new charges, continue to receive support from specially-trained officers.
“The Met’s investigation remains ongoing and detectives urge anyone affected by this case, or anyone with information, to come forward and speak with police. A dedicated team of investigators can be reached via email at [email protected].
“Support is also available through the independent charity Rape Crisis by contacting the 24/7 rape and sexual abuse support line.”
A trial is scheduled to begin at Southwark Crown Court in relation to the five original charges.
Brand, of Oxfordshire, is accused of raping a woman in a hotel room while she attended a Labour Party conference in Bournemouth, and grabbing a TV worker’s breasts and orally raping her after dragging her into a male toilet, the court heard in May. Brand is also alleged to have grabbed a radio station worker’s face, pushing her against a wall and kissing her before groping her breasts and buttocks.
The other charge of the original five alleges the actor indecently assaulted another woman after grabbing her forearm and attempting to drag her into a male toilet.
He was charged following an investigation by Channel 4 and the Sunday Times in which several women made allegations against him.