British comedian and actor Russell Brand is now confronting a significantly expanded criminal prosecution, with UK police confirming two new charges authorised in December. This development increases the total number of women connected to formal charges against the media personality to six.
Expanded Prosecution: New Charges and Court Date
The Metropolitan Police issued a statement on Tuesday, 23 December, revealing the latest charges. These new allegations involve two additional women and are separate from the initial five charges issued in April 2025, which involved four women. Following months of continued investigation into incidents spanning over a decade, the total count of complainants has now risen to six.
Russell Brand, who is 50 years old, has been summoned to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on January 20 to face these new charges. The original five charges are scheduled for trial at Southwark Crown Court beginning June 16, 2026.
Breakdown of Allegations and Timeline
The case against Brand has unfolded in two distinct phases. The initial charges from April 2025 included five counts linked to four women, comprising one count of rape, one of oral rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault. These alleged incidents are said to have occurred between 1999 and 2005.
The additional charges authorised in December 2025 include one further count of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to two new complainants. These alleged offences are reported to have taken place in 2009.
Brand's Response and Police Appeal
Following the announcement of the new charges, Russell Brand responded on social media platform X. He struck a reflective and religious tone, stating he felt "blessed" to have the chance to atone and ensure people "understand the truth of my situation." He added a prayer for anyone he had harmed. Earlier, after the initial charges, he had posted a video statement vehemently denying the allegations, asserting, "I never was a rapist. I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity." He has consistently maintained all his sexual relationships were consensual.
Detective Chief Inspector Tariq Farooqi confirmed that the women who have come forward continue to receive support. He emphasised the investigation remains active, urging anyone affected or with information to contact the police.
Origins of the Case and Brand's Evolution
The police investigation was triggered by a 2023 joint media investigation by Channel 4 Dispatches and The Sunday Times. The report detailed multiple claims of sexual assault and emotional abuse. While six women are now part of the formal criminal charges, several others have made public allegations through media reports.
Russell Brand, born in Essex in 1975, rose to fame as a stand-up comedian and MTV presenter. He later hosted a BBC Radio 2 show until 2008. Once known for left-wing activism and a high-profile marriage to singer Katy Perry, Brand has in recent years reinvented himself as an anti-establishment, conservative-leaning online commentator with a massive following. Last year, he announced he had converted to Christianity.
As legal proceedings advance, this case stands as one of the most prominent criminal prosecutions involving a British celebrity in recent memory, with further developments anticipated.
