Actor and comedian Russell Brand has denied allegations of rape, indecent assault, oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault involving four women. Brand, 49, firmly maintains that he has “never been a rapist” and accused the government of turning the law into “a weapon”.
In a video posted to X on Friday afternoon, Brand thanked his supporters and stated his intention to contest the allegations in court. “I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord. I was a drug addict, a sex addict, and an imbecile,” he said.
“But what I never was, was a rapist. I have never engaged in non-consensual activity — I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes.”
The Metropolitan Police have charged Brand with one count each of rape, indecent assault, and oral rape, as well as two counts of sexual assault. These charges relate to allegations made by four separate women, with the incidents said to have occurred between 1999 and 2005.
Brand is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2.