Fresh criminal charges have been filed against Russell Brand, deepening the legal crisis facing the once-prominent comedian and actor.
According to Page Six, London’s Metropolitan Police announced Tuesday that Brand, 50, has been charged with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault involving two women.
The new charges add to a growing list of allegations that span decades and multiple jurisdictions.
In a statement, Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Inspector Tariq Farooqi said the women who have come forward remain under active support.
“The women who have made reports, including those connected to the two new charges, continue to receive support from specially trained officers,” Farooqi said.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation is far from over and urged anyone with relevant information to step forward.
“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],” Farooqi added.
“Support is also available through the independent charity Rape Crisis by contacting the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.”
Brand is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in January 2026 in connection with the two newly announced charges.
The latest case developments come eight months after Brand was charged with a separate slate of offenses, including one count of rape, one count of oral rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault. Those charges stem from allegations made by four women, with police saying the alleged incidents occurred between 1999 and 2005.
At the time those charges were announced, Brand publicly denied any wrongdoing. In a video posted to Instagram, he acknowledged past behavior while rejecting the claims outright.
“I was a fool,” Brand said in the clip, adding that he “never engaged in nonconsensual activity.”
“I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes,” he continued.
The Metropolitan Police began investigating Brand in 2023 following a wave of allegations that surfaced after reporting by Channel 4’s “Dispatches” and the Sunday Times.
Among the accusations detailed in prior reporting, one woman alleged that Brand raped her “against a wall” at his Los Angeles home in 2012.
Another woman claimed she was involved in an “emotionally abusive and controlling” relationship with Brand when she was just 16 years old, while Brand was in his 30s.
Brand’s legal troubles are set to stretch well into the future. His trial on the five original charges is currently scheduled to begin at London’s Southwark Crown Court in June 2026.
Police say their work remains active as more potential witnesses and victims are encouraged to come forward.
In a video released on X, Brand denied the allegations and, during a prayer, asked that people understand the “truth of my situation and scenario.”
“Oh Lord, I ask that the people who see this video are able to pay attention to what’s happened in the last couple of years when it comes to media, independent media, politics,” Brand said.
