Russell Brand Denies Rape and Assault Charges, Vows to Contest Allegations in Court
British actor and comedian Russell Brand has publicly denied a series of sexual offence charges brought against him, declaring in a video statement that he has “never been a rapist.”
The 49-year-old is facing five criminal charges, including rape, oral rape, indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault. The charges, announced by the Metropolitan Police, involve four women and relate to incidents alleged to have occurred between 1999 and 2005.
In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Brand broke his silence on the matter, thanking his supporters and expressing his determination to defend himself through legal proceedings.
“I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord,” he said. “I was a drug addict, a sex addict, and an imbecile. But what I never was, was a rapist. I have never engaged in non-consensual activity – I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes.”
Brand also criticised what he described as the government’s misuse of the legal system, claiming it is being wielded as “a weapon.”
He is expected to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2 to face the charges. The case follows a lengthy investigation prompted by allegations first made public in a 2023 media exposé.
Brand has continued to maintain his innocence since the allegations emerged, while legal proceedings are now set to determine the outcome of the case.
