Los Angeles: Actor-comedian Russell Brand has publicly denied multiple serious allegations, including rape and sexual assault, in a video message released on Friday evening. The British entertainer, known for his roles in films like Forgetting Sarah Marshall, responded to the charges brought against him by London’s Metropolitan Police, asserting that he has “never engaged in non-consensual activity”.
In his video address to his followers, Brand acknowledged past struggles, stating:
“I was a drug addict, a sex addict, and an imbecile. But I was never a rapist”.
He went on to emphasize:
“I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity. I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes”.
The Case So Far
According to a report by Deadline, Brand is facing multiple charges stemming from alleged incidents involving four women between 1999 and 2005. The charges include:
- One count of rape
- One count of indecent assault
- One count of oral rape
- Two counts of sexual assault
Brand is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on May 2.
In his video, he expressed readiness to face the allegations in court, saying:
“I’m now gonna have the opportunity to defend these charges in court, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. In the meantime, you lot stay free”.
This statement appears to signal his willingness to cooperate with the judicial process, although his recent move from Oxfordshire, UK, to Florida, USA, has raised questions regarding the possibility of extradition.
As per legal protocol, the UK Home Office would need to formally request extradition from U.S. authorities to compel his return for trial proceedings.
The charges and Brand’s response have triggered intense public discussion online and in the media, with the case expected to gain further attention as it moves to court in May.
