Comedian appears in court on five sex offence charges linked to four women spanning 1999 to 2005

Russell Brand charges were brought to light in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where it was alleged that he raped a woman in a hotel during the 1999 Labour Party conference.

The 49-year-old comedian and actor, known for his provocative persona, faces five charges relating to alleged sexual offences involving four women between 1999 and 2005. During the brief court appearance, Brand confirmed his name, date of birth, address and acknowledged his bail conditions. He did not enter a plea.

Wearing an open shirt and jeans, Brand appeared solemn and attentive as he sat in the dock. According to the prosecution, the most serious accusation stems from an incident following a theatrical performance in Bournemouth. It’s alleged that Brand raped a woman after she returned from the bathroom, finding him partially undressed. He is accused of pushing her onto the bed, removing her underwear, and raping her.

The court heard that another woman, who worked at a television station, accused Brand of indecent assault in 2001. She alleges he grabbed her forearm and attempted to drag her into a men’s toilet.

A third complainant, a television worker Brand met in Soho in 2004, claims he groped her breasts before pulling her into a bathroom and orally raping her.

The fourth allegation involves a radio station employee Brand met while working on Channel 4’s Big Brother’s Big Mouth between 2004 and 2005. She claims he grabbed her face with both hands, pushed her against a wall, and forcibly kissed her, before grabbing her breasts and buttocks.

The court appearance followed Brand’s return to the UK from the United States. It took him over two minutes to make the short walk from his vehicle to the court entrance, flanked by media and photographers. He declined to speak to journalists on arrival or departure.

The charges follow a 2023 joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches, which exposed a series of accusations from women alleging rape, sexual assault, and psychological abuse by Brand during his time as a rising media figure. The report sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and prompted a formal police investigation.

Brand, of Hambleden in Buckinghamshire, had previously posted a video on his X (formerly Twitter) account rejecting the claims and asserting his intent to fight the allegations. “I welcome the opportunity to prove my innocence,” he said at the time.

He has been granted bail ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing scheduled at the Old Bailey on May 30. Conditions of his bail were not disclosed in open court but were acknowledged by the defendant.

This marks the beginning of what could be a lengthy legal process for the controversial performer, whose career has spanned stand-up comedy, Hollywood films, and political activism. His public image took a severe hit following the 2023 exposé, and these formal charges now move the case from public speculation to the courts.

As the investigation continues and the trial process unfolds, the case is set to remain under intense public and media scrutiny.