Russell Brand is accused of raping a woman at the Labour Party conference, it has been revealed, as he appeared in court for the first time on Friday.
The 49-year-old did not enter any pleas as he appeared in the dock at Westminster magistrates court, facing two counts of rape, two charges of sexual assault, and one allegation of indecent assault.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring sent the case to the Old Bailey for a hearing on May 30.
Prosecutor Suki Dhadda told the hearing Brand is accused of raping one of the alleged victims in a hotel room at the Labour Party conference.
It is alleged he tried to drag a TV worker into a toilet in 2001 by “grabbing her forcefully by the forearm”.
When he was a presenter on Big Brother, Brand is alleged to have sexually assaulted a woman by “sloppily” kissing her and groping her breasts.
And Brand is accused of orally raping a woman in the toilet of a Soho bar after allegedly “grabbing her breasts”.
Brand faced a scrum of photographers as he entered Westminster magistrates court on Friday, flanked by police and security guards, to face two allegations of rape, two charges of sexual assault, and a count of indecent assault.
The judge granted Brand bail on the condition he notify the police of his addresses in the UK and the US.
Brand is accused of incidents between 1999 and 2005 in Bournemouth and the Westminster area of London.
The charges laid before the court show Brand is accused of indecently assaulting one woman in 2001 by allegedly “grabbing her arm and dragging her towards a male toilet”.
Brand is accused of raping a woman in 1999 and allegedly groped the breasts of another woman and forced her to perform oral sex in 2004.
A fourth alleged victim says Brand sexually assaulted her by touching in 2005.
Brand, wearing a half-unbuttoned black shirt, dark jeans, and gold-rimmed sunglasses, was swamped by photographers as he arrived at court.
His entourage of security guards formed a ring around Brand, while at least ten police officers were on hand to push away photographers.
Inside the courthouse, Brand embraced members of his team before going for a conference with his legal representatives.
Brand, who now lives in the US but has given his home in Henley-on-Thames as his address, was charged last month after a Metropolitan Police investigation.
He spoke to confirm his name, date of birth, and UK address to the court, as well as confirming at the end that he understood when his next court appearance would be.
When first charges, Brand respond with an online video stating: “I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity. I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes.”
He added: “Of course I am now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court and I’m incredibly grateful for that.”
This week, he posted a YouTube video in which he said he welcomes the upcoming criminal trial.
“If you were a member of the Labour Party, that's the governing party in my country the United Kingdom, you would want an inquiry into rape gangs so that you could be entirely exonerated. It's the same with me.
“I want a trial because I know that I'm innocent. I know I'm a broken sinner and a wretched hopeless individual, but I know I'm innocent. So an examination - a thorough and intrepid examination - which establishes that innocence in the eyes of everybody, I welcome it. What a relief it will be.”
Detectives began investigating Brand in September 2023 after receiving a number of allegations, which followed reporting by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, 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, Chief Crown Prosecutor for London North, added: “(We) remind 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.”
At the height of his fame, Brand was the star of Hollywood films, a sought-after stand-up comedian, and a regular presence on Channel 4 and the BBC.
He presented a BBC Radio 2 show between 2006 and 2008, but left the role after an on-air prank, now known as Sachsgate, when he left a “lewd” voicemail for Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs about his granddaughter.
Brand also presented on Big Brother spin-off shows Big Brother’s Big Mouth and Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack in the noughties.
The TV and film star was married to US pop singer Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012 but is now married to Laura Gallacher, the sister of presenter Kirsty, and the pair have two children, Mabel and Peggy.
Brand is accused of two charges of rape, two charges of sexual assault on a female, and one charge of indecent assault on woman over 16 years of age.
He is set to be represented in criminal proceedings by Ian Winter KC.
The Recorder of London, Judge Mark Lucraft KC, is expected to overseeing the case in the crown court.
