- Comedian Russell Brand has been charged with two additional offences, including rape.
- The new allegations relate to two women in 2009; Brand is due in court on 20 January 2026.
- He previously pleaded not guilty to five charges linked to incidents from 1999–2005; a trial begins 16 June 2026.
Met Police announce two new charges
The Metropolitan Police said the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised an additional charge of rape and a charge of sexual assault relating to two further women. The force said the alleged offences took place in 2009 and involve separate complainants.
Court dates and existing charges
Mr Brand, 50, will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 20 January 2026 in relation to the two new charges. He has already pleaded not guilty to five earlier charges — two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault — linked to four women. Those alleged incidents are said to have taken place between 1999 and 2005 in central London and Bournemouth.
Trial timetable
A trial for the five original charges is scheduled to start at Southwark Crown Court on 16 June 2026. The additional 2009 allegations will be heard separately at the magistrates’ court first, the police said.
How the investigation began
Detectives began investigating after reporting by the Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches in September 2023. The publicity prompted further complaints and police inquiries, leading to the charges now authorised by the CPS.
Police support for complainants
Det Ch Insp Tariq Farooqi said the women who made reports were receiving support from specially trained officers. The Met emphasised its work to support victims through the criminal justice process.
Brand’s background
Born in Essex and based in Oxfordshire, Russell Brand rose to fame as a stand-up comedian and TV host, notably for Big Brother’s Big Mouth. He presented radio shows on BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music, and later appeared in Hollywood films including Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek.
Watch: Court appearance explained
The BBC has a short explainer video on Brand’s court appearance. Viewers can watch the 50-second clip for a quick summary:
What happens next
Brand will next appear in court on 20 January 2026 to answer the two new charges. The separate trial for the earlier five counts remains set for 16 June 2026. As proceedings continue, the CPS and Metropolitan Police will provide updates through official channels.
Image Referance: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyd5ynxvqxo