Russell Brand charged with third rape

Russell Brand is a British comedian and actor who has starred in Hollywood films. Photo / Getty Images

Russell Brand has been charged with a third rape.

The controversial comedian and actor was charged with one count of rape and one of sexual assault this week.

The charges are in addition to the two rape, two sexual assault and one indecent assault charges he was already facing, the Metropolitan Police said.

Brand has previously denied allegations, saying he was “never a rapist” and had “never engaged in non-consensual activity”.

Brand, 50, was previously accused of sexually abusing four women in London and the Bournemouth area between 1999 and 2005.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the new charges related to alleged offences against two women in 2009.

Lionel Idan, the Chief Crown Prosecutor for south London, said: “These new charges relate to separate reports of non-recent offences in 2009, involving two additional women.

“Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring these additional charges to court, and that it is in the public interest to pursue further criminal proceedings.

“The defendant has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

The Met said the charges Brand now faces involve six different women.

He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on January 20, 2026.

A trial is due to begin at Southwark Crown Court on June 16, 2026, in relation to the five original charges. Brand has pleaded not guilty to these charges.

Brand, of Oxfordshire, is accused of raping a woman in a hotel room while she attended a Labour Party conference in Bournemouth, and grabbing a TV worker’s breasts and orally raping her after dragging her into a male toilet, the court heard in May.

He is also alleged to have grabbed a radio station worker’s face, pushing her against a wall and kissing her before groping her breasts and buttocks.

The other charge of the original five alleges that the actor indecently assaulted a woman after grabbing her forearm and attempting to drag her into a male toilet.

He was charged following an investigation by Channel 4 and the Sunday Times, in which several women made allegations against him.

Detective Chief Inspector Tariq Marooqi, who is leading the Met’s investigation of the allegations, urged “anyone with information” to come forward.

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. A dedicated team of investigators can be reached via email at CIT@met.police.uk.

“Support is also available through the independent charity Rape Crisis by contacting the 24/7 rape and sexual abuse support line.”