LONDON, UK—In a dramatic escalation of the long-running investigation into his historic conduct, British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been formally charged with two additional sexual offences, including rape. The new charges, authorized by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on Tuesday, bring the total number of complainants in the criminal case against the 50-year-old to six.
The fresh allegations involve two women and date back to 2009—a period when Brand was at the height of his fame as a global television and radio personality. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the latest charges were the result of an ongoing, complex investigation that began in late 2023 following a joint exposé by The Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches.
The New Allegations
The CPS has detailed the specific nature of the two additional counts, both of which are alleged to have occurred in 2009:
- Count Six (Rape): Alleged to have occurred between February 7, 2009, and March 1, 2009, involving one woman.
- Count Seven (Sexual Assault): Alleged to have occurred between August 31, 2009, and December 1, 2009, involving a second woman.
These charges are in addition to the five counts filed in April 2025, which include two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault involving four other women. Those initial allegations date back to a period between 1999 and 2005, spanning locations in London and Bournemouth.
The Legal Path Ahead
The legal calendar for the comedian is now set to be one of the most high-profile spectacles in the British justice system for 2026.
- Magistrates’ Appearance: Brand is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on January 20, 2026, to be formally charged with these two latest offences.
- The Main Trial: A separate trial for the original five charges is currently scheduled to begin at Southwark Crown Court on June 16, 2026.
- The Defense: Brand has consistently and “strenuously” denied all allegations of non-consensual activity. In May 2025, he pleaded not guilty to the original charges, maintaining that his past relationships were “always consensual.”
A Continuing Investigation
Detective Chief Inspector Tariq Farooqi, who is leading the Metropolitan Police investigation, emphasized that the women who have come forward continue to receive support from specially trained officers.
“The Met’s investigation remains ongoing,” Farooqi said in a statement. “Detectives urge anyone affected by this case, or anyone with information, to come forward and speak with police.”
The CPS also issued a stern reminder regarding the “active” status of the case, warning the public and media that “there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.” Under UK law, strict contempt of court rules apply once a suspect has been charged, to ensure the defendant’s right to a fair trial.
As the 50-year-old Oxfordshire resident prepares for his January court date, the case continues to serve as a watershed moment for the British entertainment industry, highlighting the enduring legal reach of historic allegations in the post-#MeToo era.