Russell Brand has been charged with rape, indecent assault, oral rape and two counts of sexual assault against four women.
The charges cover offences allegedly committed between 1999 and 2005, Scotland Yard said.
It follows an investigation into the comedian, 50, which was launched in September 2023 when a number of allegations were made in Channel 4‘s Dispatches and the Sunday Times.
Brand, who is thought to be in the US, has been issued a charge and requisition and is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2.
The Metropolitan Police said that in 1999 a woman was allegedly raped by Brand in Bournemouth and in 2001 he is accused of indecently assaulting a woman in Westminster.
The other allegations relate to claims that in Westminster a woman was orally raped in 2004, and between 2004 and 2005 Brand allegedly sexually assaulted a woman in the same area of London.
Russell Brand, pictured in London in October 2017, has been charged with rape
Russell Brand on stage at the Bitcoin Conference at Music City Center in Nashville in July 2024
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy from the Met said: ‘The women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers.
‘The Met’s investigation remains open and detectives ask anyone who has been affected by this case, or anyone who has any information, to come forward and speak with police. A dedicated team of investigators is available via email at CIT@met.police.uk.
‘Support is also available by contacting the independent charity Rape Crisis.’
Jaswant Narwal of the Crown Prosecution Service said: ‘We have today authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Russell Brand with a number of sexual offences.
‘We carefully reviewed the evidence after a police investigation into allegations made following the broadcast of a Channel 4 documentary in September 2023.
Russell Brand in Los Angeles in June 2019
Russell Brand at a book launch at Barnes & Noble Union Square in New York in October 2017
‘We have concluded that Russell Brand should be charged with offences including rape, sexual assault and indecent assault.
‘These relate to reported non-recent offences between 1999 and 2005, involving four women.
‘He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for a first hearing on Friday 2 May 2025.
‘The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.
‘It is extremely important that there be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.’
