Russell Brand has been granted bail following an appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where he faces several charges related to alleged sexual offences, including rape.
During the short court session, the 49-year-old confirmed his name, birth date, and address, and acknowledged that he understood the terms of his bail.
Sky News reports that Russell Brand, who now lives in the United States, was formally charged last month via post with one count each of rape, oral rape, and indecent assault, as well as two counts of sexual assault. These charges stem from alleged incidents involving four women between 1999 and 2005.
The accusations first came to light in a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches in September 2023.
Dressed in a black, partially unbuttoned shirt, black jeans, and sunglasses, the over 6ft-tall entertainer remained silent as he arrived at court, despite media questions and a visible police presence.
Brand, a comedian, actor, and writer, has denied all allegations, stating he has “never engaged in non-consensual activity.”
In court, he removed his sunglasses, stood to confirm his identity, and then sat as the charges were read out.
Specific allegations include the rape of a woman in 1999 in Bournemouth, the oral rape and sexual assault of a woman in Westminster in 2004, and an incident in which he allegedly groped a woman’s breasts without consent. He is also accused of grabbing a woman’s arm and dragging her toward a men’s restroom in 2001, and of another sexual assault in Westminster between 2004 and 2005.
The judge has referred the case to the Crown Court (commonly known as the Old Bailey), with Brand ordered to appear on 30 May.
He provided both his UK and US addresses and thanked the judge before exiting the courtroom.
In a video posted on X after he was initially charged, Russell 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”.
Russell Brand also presented on Big Brother spin-off shows Big Brother’s Big Mouth and Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack in the noughties.
Russell 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.
