Comedian Russell Brand charged with further counts of rape and sexual assault | UK News

Russell Brand has been charged with further counts of rape and sexual assault, police have said.

They relate to two further women and are in addition to the charges issued to the comedian and actor in April, which involved four women.

He had been previously charged with two counts of rape, one count of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault.

Brand has pleaded not guilty to the earlier charges.

He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 20 January 2026 in relation to the two additional charges.

His trial is scheduled to begin at Southwark Crown Court on 16 June 2026 in relation to the five original charges.

Detective Chief Inspector Tariq Farooqi from the Metropolitan Police, who is leading the investigation, issued an appeal for witnesses.

He said: “The women who have made reports, including those connected to the two new charges, continue to receive support from specially trained officers.

“The Met’s investigation remains ongoing, and detectives urge anyone affected by this case, or anyone with information, to come forward and speak with police.

“Support is also available through the independent charity Rape Crisis by contacting the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.”

Brand, 50, rose to prominence as a comedian in the mid-2000s, before finding success in Hollywood with the 2008 film Forgetting Sarah Marshall and its 2010 spin-off, Get Him To The Greek.