Comedian and actor Russell Brand has publicly addressed his followers in a social media video, released on the same day that two new charges of rape and sexual assault against him were confirmed by authorities.
Fresh Allegations and Court Date
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the new, historic charges on Tuesday, 23 December 2025. These allegations are connected to two further women and are part of an ongoing investigation. Brand is scheduled to appear in court on 20 January in relation to these incidents, which are believed to have occurred in 2009.
These latest charges are separate from an existing case brought against the 50-year-old in May 2025. For that case, Brand has pleaded not guilty to five counts of sexual assault alleged to have taken place between 1999 and 2005. A trial for those charges is set to begin at Southwark Crown Court on 16 June 2026.
Brand's Video Response and Faith
On the day the new charges emerged, Brand uploaded a video filmed from his car. In the message, the former husband of pop star Katy Perry spoke of a "time of confusion and dispute and conflict," but suggested that "attack can bring about grace."
He expressed gratitude for the chance "to atone for the many things over the years that I did wrong" and to ensure people "understand the truth of my situation." Brand, who underwent a baptism in the River Thames in 2024 after declaring himself a born-again Christian, also referenced his faith directly.
"I pray Lord, that anyone that I’ve harmed or hurt in my years of mindlessness in sin would be healed," he said. He concluded the video by citing a biblical verse, James 1:2-3, about finding joy in trials, before wishing his followers a Merry Christmas.
Details of the Original Case and Police Statement
The original five charges, to which Brand has pleaded not guilty, include serious allegations spanning several years. They are:
- The rape of a woman in Bournemouth in 1999.
- Indecently assaulting a woman in Westminster in 2001 by grabbing her arm and dragging her towards a toilet.
- Sexually assaulting a woman in Westminster between 2004 and 2005 by kissing and groping her.
- Two further counts relating to the alleged oral rape and sexual assault of another woman in Westminster in 2004.
Detective Chief Inspector Tariq Farooqi of the Metropolitan Police stated: "The women who have made reports, including those connected to the two new charges, continue to receive support from specially trained officers." The police investigation began following reports by the Sunday Times, the Times, and Channel 4's Dispatches programme in September 2023.
