London, (EFE).- British actor and comedian Russell Brand was formally charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault involving four women in the United Kingdom, the Metropolitam Police announced on Friday.
Brand, 49, known for his roles in films such as Get Him to the Greek (2010) and as the former husband of American pop star Katy Perry, is accused of a series of offenses that allegedly took place between 1999 and 2005.
The Crown Prosecution Service authorized the charges following an extensive police investigation.
He is scheduled to appear before a London court in May. 2.
According to a statement from Scotland Yard, Bran faces charges of rape, sexual assault, among others.
The allegations involve incidents in both Bournemouth in 1999, in southern England, and in central London’s Westminster district in 2001.
The investigation into Brand began in Sep. 2023 after a t exposé by The Sunday Times newspaper and Channel 4’s Dispatches program several women to come forward with allegations spanning over two decades.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the case, said Friday that the investigation remains ongoing and that the women involved are receiving from specialized officers.
“We are aware this case has received significant public attention, and we encourage anyone with relevant information to us,” Furphy added.
Brand, who rose to fame in the early 2000s through his stand-up comedy, radio shows on the BBC, and controversial public persona, has previously denied all allegations.
He maintains that his past sexual relationships were “always consensual.”
When the allegations first surfaced, Brand released a video on social media denying any criminal behavior and accused the media of corruption and censorship.
He has since relocated to the United States, where he has rebranded himself as a wellness influencer and political commentator with a substantial online following.
The case has reignited public debate in the UK about celebrity ability, consent, and how the entertainment industry handles allegations of abuse.
Brand’s transformation from tabloid fixture to digital provocateur has also drawn scrutiny, especially as his online platforms have promoted conspiracy theories and anti-establishment narratives in recent years.
The Crown Prosecution Service emphasized in its statement that the legal process is now active and urged the public to avoid sharing or commenting on the case to ensure a fair trial.
If convicted, Brand could face years in prison under British law. Rape carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment in the UK. EFE
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