Russell Brand has been released on bail after appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where he faces multiple sexual offence charges, including rape.
During the brief hearing, the 49-year-old confirmed his name, date of birth, and address, and acknowledged his bail conditions. The judge referred the case to the Crown Court (Old Bailey), with Brand due to appear again on 30 May.
Brand, who now lives in the U.S., was charged by post last month with one count each of rape, oral rape, and indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault. The charges relate to alleged incidents involving four women between 1999 and 2005.
The allegations first came to light through a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches in September 2023.
Wearing a black shirt unbuttoned to mid-chest, black jeans, and sunglasses, Brand arrived at court surrounded by media and a visible police presence. He remained silent as reporters questioned him.
Prosecutors allege that Brand raped a woman in Bournemouth in 1999, orally raped and sexually assaulted a woman in Westminster in 2004, and indecently assaulted another in 2001 by dragging her toward a men’s toilet. A final accusation alleges a sexual assault between 2004 and 2005, also in Westminster.
Brand has denied all allegations, stating he has “never engaged in non-consensual activity.” In a video posted to X, he said he is “grateful” for the chance to defend himself in court and looks forward to proving his innocence.
Once a prominent TV and radio figure, Brand hosted BBC Radio 2 and Big Brother spin-offs before stepping back from mainstream media. He was previously married to Katy Perry and is now married to Laura Gallacher, with whom he shares two daughters.
