Russell Brand has publicly addressed the allegations he currently faces in the UK.
Earlier today (April 4), the Metropolitan Police revealed that Brand has been charged with several offenses, including one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault.
These charges follow the release of a Channel 4 documentary that aired in 2023, which brought these accusations to light.
Brand is scheduled to make his first court appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2.
In response to the accusations, Brand issued a statement expressing gratitude for the support he has received.
He also refuted the allegations against him.
He stated: “Me, I’ve always told you guys that when I was young and single, before I had my wife and family… I was a fool man.
“I was a fool before I lived in the light of the lord. I was a drug addict, a sex addict and an imbecile, but what I never was, was a rapist. I’ve never engaged in non consensual activity. I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes. I want to thank all of your for your continuing support.”
Brand added: “I want to let you know that our show will be on Rumble on Monday. And of course I’m now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court and I’m incredibly grateful for that.
“In the meantime you lot, stay free, and we will be continuing to discuss this matter. Praise the lord.”
In addition to addressing the charges, Brand criticized the UK government.
“I’m speaking particularly to those of you that are watching this in the UK,” the 49-year-old said.
“How do you feel about your legal system right now? How do you feel about some of the high profile cases that are not being pursued and prosecuted? How do you feel that the Southport murders were handled. How do you feel about the government of Keir Starmer?”
The alleged offenses are said to have occurred between 1999 and 2005, according to the Metropolitan Police.
One of the incidents reportedly took place in the Bournemouth area, while the others are said to have happened in the Westminster area of London.
For those affected by the issues discussed in this article, The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available at 800.656.HOPE (4673), offering 24/7 support. Online chat is also available via online.rainn.org, or in Spanish at rainn.org/es.