Russell Brand has been released on bail after appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where he faced charges related to sexual offences, including rape.
During the brief hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, the 49-year-old spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address, also confirming to the judge that he understood his bail conditions.
According to Sky News, Brand, who currently resides in the U.S., was officially charged by post last month with one count each of rape, oral rape, and indecent assault, along with two counts of sexual assault, in connection with alleged incidents involving four separate women between 1999 and 2005.
The allegations surfaced in a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches in September 2023.
The star, who is over 6ft tall, wore a black shirt which was unbuttoned to his mid-chest, black jeans and sunglasses.
Brand was surrounded by journalists and photographers as he entered the court, remaining composed and silent despite being peppered with questions. A police presence was also visible.
The comedian, actor and author has denied the accusations and said he has “never engaged in non-consensual activity”;.
Brand appeared in court, removing his sunglasses after entering. He stood to confirm his name and address, then sat while the charges were read aloud.
Brand is charged with the rape of a woman in 1999 in the Bournemouth area and the oral rape and sexual assault of a woman in 2004 in the Westminster area of London.
The 2004 sexual assault charge claims the actor touched the woman’s breasts without her consent.
He is also accused of indecently assaulting a woman in 2001 by “grabbing her arm and dragging her toward a men’s toilet,”; and of sexually assaulting another woman between 2004 and 2005—both alleged incidents are said to have taken place in Westminster, London.
The judge referred the case up to the Crown Court – informally known as the Old Bailey – and told Brand he must attend on 30 May.
Brand provided his US and UK addresses to the court and confirmed he understood his bail conditions. After the hearing, he thanked the judge before leaving the court.
In a video posted on X after he was initially charged, Brand told his followers: “I am now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.”;
In a social media video, Brand stated he looks forward to proving his innocence and mentioned heading to his country.
Brand hosted a BBC Radio 2 show from 2006 to 2008 but left after controversy surrounding a lewd voicemail he left for actor Andrew Sachs, an incident later known as “Sachsgate”;.
Brand also presented on Big Brother spin-off shows Big Brother’s Big Mouth and Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack in the noughties.
Brand was previously married to singer Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012. He is now married to Laura Gallacher, with whom he has two daughters, Mabel and Peggy. Laura is the sister of presenter Kirsty Gallacher.
