British comedian and actor Russell Brand has appeared in court following new charges of rape and sexual assault.
The 50-year-old appeared via video link before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where he was informed of the additional allegations, said to have occurred in 2009. Brand was not required to enter pleas at the hearing.
The new charges include one count of rape alleged to have taken place between February and March 2009, and a separate count of sexual assault alleged to have occurred between August and December of the same year. The identities of the complainants are protected by law and cannot be disclosed.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ruled that the allegations were sufficiently serious to be heard only at the Crown Court.
Russell Brand, who is currently based in Florida, was seen during the brief six-minute hearing wearing a blue shirt. He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth and to thank the court at the conclusion of proceedings.
He is scheduled to enter pleas to the new charges at Southwark Crown Court on February 17.
The comedian has already pleaded not guilty to five other charges, including rape, indecent assault and sexual assault, relating to four separate women. Those matters are due to proceed to trial later this year. The latest charges relate to two additional complainants.
Investigations into Russell Brand began in September 2023 after police received multiple allegations, following reports by Channel 4 Dispatches and The Sunday Times. The earlier allegations concern incidents said to have occurred between 1999 and 2005.
Russell Brand has consistently denied all accusations made against him.
