British prosecutors have intensified their legal pursuit against controversial comedian Russell Brand, filing additional criminal charges including one count of rape and one count of sexual assault. These new allegations, announced Tuesday by the U.K.’s Crown Prosecution Service, involve two additional women beyond the four previously identified victims, with the alleged incidents dating back to 2009.
The latest charges expand upon the existing case against Brand, who already faced five serious sexual offense charges including two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault. These initial charges resulted from an extensive 18-month investigation into allegations spanning from 1999 to 2005, with incidents reported in both London and the coastal town of Bournemouth.
Brand, the 50-year-old former mainstream comedian turned online influencer, had previously entered a not guilty plea regarding the initial charges during a London court appearance earlier this year. The actor known for his role in “Get Him To The Greek” has experienced a dramatic career transformation, transitioning from risqué stand-up performances and Hollywood films to building a substantial digital following through content blending wellness advice, conspiracy theories, and religious commentary.
The judicial proceedings continue to advance with Brand scheduled to appear in court on January 20 regarding the new charges. A comprehensive trial has been formally scheduled for June of next year, with projections indicating the proceedings will extend four to five weeks.
Following the announcement of the initial charges in April, Brand maintained his innocence through a social media statement, acknowledging his past struggles with addiction while vehemently denying any nonconsensual sexual activity. “I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord,” Brand stated. “I was a drug addict, a sex addict and an imbecile. But what I never was a rapist.”
Both U.K. law and standard journalistic practice protect the identities of sexual violence victims, with British legislation providing lifetime anonymity for accusers in such cases.