Russell Brand Appears in Court on New Rape and Sexual Assault Charges
Comedian and presenter Russell Brand has arrived at Southwark Crown Court in London to face two new criminal charges: one count of rape and one count of sexual assault. The 50-year-old celebrity was pictured entering the court building dressed in an animal print shirt left unbuttoned, sunglasses, and a large trilby hat, as he confronts these serious allegations.
Details of the New Charges
The newly filed charges relate to alleged incidents that occurred in 2009, involving two separate women. This development comes as Brand already faces five previous charges including two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault stemming from alleged offences between 1999 and 2005 involving four different women.
Detective Chief Inspector Tariq Farooqi from the Metropolitan Police issued a statement regarding the ongoing investigation: "The women who have made reports, including those connected to the two new charges, continue to receive support from specially trained officers. The Met's investigation remains ongoing, and detectives urge anyone affected by this case, or anyone with information, to come forward and speak with police."
Previous Charges and Upcoming Trial
Brand has previously pleaded not guilty to all five original charges, with a trial scheduled to begin at Southwark Crown Court on 16 June 2026. The court heard in May that Brand is accused of:
- Raping a woman in a hotel room
- Grabbing a television worker's breasts
- Orally raping the same television worker after dragging her into a male toilet
The initial charges resulted from an investigation conducted by Channel 4's Dispatches programme and The Sunday Times, during which several women came forward with allegations against the comedian.
Brand's Response and Public Statements
Russell Brand has consistently maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings. In a recent statement to supporters, he declared: "I've always told you guys that when I was young and single, before I had my wife and family who are just out of shot over there, my beautiful children, I was a fool, man. I was a fool, man, before I lived in the light of the Lord."
He continued: "I was a drug addict, a sex addict, and an imbecile, but what I never was, was a rapist. I've never engaged in non-consensual activity, I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes. I want to thank all of you for your continuing support."
Brand also mentioned his ongoing media presence, stating: "I want let you know that our show will be on Rumble on Monday, thanks for your support there. And of course I'm now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court and I'm incredibly grateful for that. In the meantime you lot, stay free. and we will be continuing to discuss this matter. Praise the Lord."
The comedian's legal team is now preparing to address both the new charges from 2009 and the previously filed charges dating back to 1999-2005, with the court proceedings expected to continue throughout 2026.
