Russell Brand has been released on bail after appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where he faced charges of sexual offences, including rape.
During the brief hearing, the 49-year-old confirmed his name, date of birth, and address, and acknowledged his understanding of the bail conditions set by the court.
As reported by Sky News, Brand, now residing in the United States, was formally charged by post last month with multiple offences: 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 allegations emerged in September 2023 following a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches.
Brand, standing over 6 feet tall, appeared in court wearing a partially unbuttoned black shirt, black jeans, and sunglasses. He maintained his composure, refraining from answering questions as journalists and photographers surrounded him. A visible police presence accompanied his arrival.
The comedian, actor, and author has consistently denied the allegations, stating that he has “never engaged in non-consensual activity.”
In court, Brand removed his sunglasses upon entering, stood to confirm his personal details, and then sat while the charges were read.
The charges include the alleged rape of a woman in 1999 in Bournemouth, the oral rape and sexual assault of a woman in Westminster in 2004, and a separate sexual assault in 2004, where he is accused of touching the woman’s breasts without her consent.
He is also accused of indecently assaulting a woman in 2001 by “grabbing her arm and dragging her toward a men’s toilet,” and of sexually assaulting another woman between 2004 and 2005—both alleged incidents are said to have taken place in Westminster, London.
The judge referred the case up to the Crown Court – informally known as the Old Bailey – and told Brand he must attend on 30 May.
Brand provided his US and UK addresses to the court and confirmed he understood his bail conditions. After the hearing, he thanked the judge before leaving the court.
In a video posted on X after he was initially charged, 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”.
Brand also presented on Big Brother spin-off shows Big Brother’s Big Mouth and Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack in the noughties.
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.