Russell Brand given bail after London court appearance for rape, sexual assault charges

Actor-comedian Russell Brand was granted conditional bail by a London court on Friday after appearing to face charges of rape and sexual assault involving four women. Brand, 49, did not enter a plea and has denied the allegations made against him. He was swarmed by photographers as he arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for his first hearing since he was charged last month with one count each of rape, indecent assault, oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring told Brand to present himself at the Central Criminal Court, commonly known as the Old Bailey, in central London on May 30 and granted him bail on condition he keeps the court informed of his whereabouts, whether in the U.K. or in the U.S. Brand currently resides in Florida but is required to attend all future court appearances. Failure to comply with the conditions could result in being remanded in custody.

The alleged offences took place between 1999 and 2005, with one incident in Bournemouth and the other three in the Westminster area of central London. The identities of the accusers have not been revealed. Brand has been interviewed by police about the allegations and maintains his innocence, stating that he did not engage in any non-consensual activity.

Brand is accused of raping a woman in a hotel room in Bournemouth in 1999, indecently assaulting another woman at a television station in London in 2001, orally raping a television worker in Soho in 2004, and grabbing and assaulting a radio station worker in 2004-2005. The charges follow a joint investigation by British media outlets Channel 4 and the Sunday Times in September 2023.

Known for his bold standup routines and personal struggles with addiction, Brand has hosted radio and television shows, written memoirs, and appeared in Hollywood films. He was previously married to pop star Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012. In recent years, Brand has shifted his focus to online content, blending wellness and conspiracy theories. He recently relocated to the United States.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or needs support related to sexual violence, please call 911 or seek help from crisis lines and local services. The Ending Violence Association of Canada database can provide information on available resources in your area.