UK comedian Russell Brand charged with rape and sexual assault

British police on Friday charged comedian Russell Brand with rape and sexual assault after an investigation sparked by complaints from several women.

London’s Metropolitan Police force said Brand, 50, faces one count of rape, one of indecent assault, one of oral rape and two of sexual assault.

The alleged offences involve four women and took place between 1999 and 2005 in central London and the English seaside town of Bournemouth.

Police said the investigation remains open and urged anyone with relevant information to contact the force.

In September 2023, British media outlets Channel 4 and the Sunday Times published claims by four women of being sexually assaulted or raped by Brand. The accusers have not been identified.

The comedian, author and Get Him To The Greek actor has denied the allegations, saying his relationships were “always consensual”.

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