British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been charged with additional counts of rape and sexual assault after two new women came forward, bringing the total number of accusers to six in an ongoing legal case. The new charges, announced by UK authorities on December 23, 2025, underscore the continued investigation into allegations spanning over two decades.
According to the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service, Brand faces one count of rape and one count of sexual assault related to two further women, with the alleged offences occurring in 2009. These charges are in addition to those filed in April, which involved four women and incidents from 1999 to 2005. The earlier charges included two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault, to which Brand pleaded not guilty in May after an 18-month police investigation.
The investigation was launched in September 2023 after reports by The Sunday Times and Channel 4 detailed accusations from four women. Police have since expanded their probe, leading to the new charges. Detective Chief Inspector Tariq Farooqi emphasized that the women involved continue to receive support from specially trained officers and that the investigation remains active, encouraging others with information to come forward. He stated that with the new charges, a total of six women have now made reports against Brand.
Brand has consistently denied all allegations, stating in social media videos that he has never engaged in nonconsensual activity. In a recent post, he expressed a desire for the truth to be revealed and prayed for healing for those he may have harmed during his past struggles with addiction. His legal team has not commented on the new charges, but Brand is expected to contest them vigorously, as he did with the initial charges.
Legal proceedings are moving forward, with Brand scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on January 20 for the new charges. A trial has been set for June 16 and is expected to last four to five weeks, where evidence from all six accusers will be examined. The case will be closely watched as it progresses through the UK judicial system, with potential implications for similar historical assault cases.
Russell Brand, 50, once a prominent figure in comedy and film, has seen his career evolve in recent years. Known for roles in movies like “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Get Him to the Greek,” he has since built a large online following with content that blends wellness advice and conspiracy theories. His past includes well-documented battles with drugs and alcohol, which he has openly discussed in his journey towards sobriety and spirituality.
This case adds to the broader conversation about sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry, particularly concerning historical allegations. It highlights the complexities of investigating and prosecuting such cases, where evidence may be dated and accusers face significant emotional challenges. The outcome could have lasting impacts on Brand’s public image and career trajectory, as well as on the discourse around accountability in the #MeToo era.
As the legal process unfolds, the focus will be on ensuring a fair trial for Brand while providing support to the accusers. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough and sensitive handling of sexual assault allegations, aiming for justice and accountability in a high-profile context. With the trial set for mid-2026, the coming months will be critical in determining the course of this protracted legal battle.
