Russell Brand is a British comedian, actor, author, and activist who rose to fame in the mid-2000s with his stand-up comedy, radio and TV shows, and film roles. He is known for his controversial humor, outspoken views, and eccentric style.
However, Brand has recently been accused of rape, sexual assault, and emotional abuse by four women who claim he victimized them between 2006 and 2013 when he was at the peak of his popularity. The allegations were revealed by a joint investigation by the Sunday Times, the Times, and Channel 4 Dispatches, which aired a documentary titled Russell Brand: In Plain Sight on Saturday night.
According to the report, one of the women said Brand raped her against a wall in his Los Angeles home in 2012, after inviting her over for tea. She said she received treatment at a rape crisis center the same day and messaged Brand to tell him she felt scared and taken advantage of by him. He reportedly replied saying he was “very sorry”.
Another woman said Brand entered into a relationship with her when he was 31 and she was 16 and still at school. She said he referred to her as “the child” during an alleged emotionally abusive and controlling three-month relationship. She said he once “forced his penis down her throat”, making her choke, which led her to punch him in the stomach to make him stop.
A third woman said Brand sexually assaulted her while she worked with him in Los Angeles in 2010, and that he threatened to take legal action if she told anyone else about it. She said he groped her breasts and genitals without her consent and tried to kiss her.
The fourth woman said Brand sexually assaulted her in 2009 in London, after meeting her at a comedy club. She said he was physically and emotionally abusive toward her, calling her names and pushing her around. She said he also tried to coerce her into having sex with other women in front of him .
Brand has denied the allegations and said his relationships have been “always consensual”. He posted a video on YouTube and X on Friday, in which he said he had received letters from a TV company and newspaper, containing “a litany” of “aggressive attacks”. He said: “Amidst this litany of astonishing, rather baroque attacks are some very serious allegations that I absolutely refute” .
Brand also claimed he had evidence that contradicted the accusations and suggested there was a “deeply concerning agenda” behind them, namely that he was an “alternative media broadcaster competing with mainstream media” .
Brand’s lawyers did not respond to further requests for comment from the Sunday Times, which said it had given them eight days to do so. The paper also said it had provided Brand’s representatives with details of the allegations and information to help him recall the incidents in question.
Brand performed a scheduled comedy gig at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre in north-west London on Saturday evening, as part of his Bipolarization tour. During the set, which lasted about an hour, Brand alluded to the accusations but did not address them directly. He told the audience there were things he wanted to talk about but could not.
Brand is one of the most famous UK personalities, with millions of followers on social media platforms. He has been involved in various campaigns for social justice, environmentalism, and mental health awareness. He has also written several books, including his memoirs, My Booky Wook and Revolution.
However, Brand has also faced criticism for his behavior towards women in the past. He has admitted to being a sex addict and having slept with hundreds of women. He has also made jokes about raping celebrities and politicians on his radio show. He was married to singer Katy Perry for 14 months before divorcing her in 2012. He is currently married to lifestyle blogger Laura Gallacher, with whom he has two daughters.
