Russell Brand, the famous comedian and actor, has been granted bail after his recent appearance in court on charges of sexual offences, including rape. The 49-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court where he confirmed his name, date of birth, and address. He also made sure to let the judge know that he understood his bail conditions.
Brand, who has been living in the US, received charges last month by post. The charges include one count each of rape, indecent assault, and oral rape, as well as two counts of sexual assault. These charges stem from incidents involving four separate women between 1999 and 2005. The allegations came to light in a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4 Dispatches in September 2023.
During the court hearing, Brand did not say much as he entered. He stood before Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring to confirm his name and address before sitting down while the charges were read out.
The accusations against Brand involve a woman who claims he raped her in 1999 in the Bournemouth area. Another victim alleges that he indecently assaulted her in 2001 by grabbing her arm and dragging her towards a male toilet at a TV station. Brand is also accused of oral rape and sexual assault of a woman he met in 2004 in London. Another complainant, a radio worker, accuses Brand of sexually assaulting her between 2004 and 2005 by kissing and grabbing her breasts and buttocks.
The judge decided to refer the case to the Crown Court, informally known as the Old Bailey. Brand was asked to provide both his US and UK addresses to the court and confirmed that he understood his bail conditions.
The case was adjourned, and Brand, who resides in Hambleden, Buckinghamshire, was instructed to appear at the Old Bailey on 30 May.
