British prosecutors are considering whether to charge Russell Brand over sexual assault allegations

LONDON – British prosecutors say they have received a case file from police regarding alleged sex crimes by comedian Russell Brand and are considering whether to bring charges against him.

Comedian Russell Brand performs in Beverly Hills, California, November 3, 2012. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, file

Late Saturday, the Crown Prosecution Service said that “police have provided us with a file to consider a charging decision in this case. Any charging decision is made independently, based on the evidence and in accordance with our legal test.”

Detectives from London’s Metropolitan Police questioned 49-year-old Brand three times about “recent sexual offences”.

“Our investigation is ongoing and files have already been forwarded to CPS,” said Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation. “We have a team of dedicated officers providing specialist support to women who come forward. We are committed to investigating sexual offenses, no matter how long ago they occurred.”

In September 2023, British media outlets Channel 4 and the Sunday Times published testimonies from four women who said they suffered sexual assault or rape by Brand between 2006 and 2013, at the height of his fame. The accusers have not been identified.

The comedian, author and “Get Him to the Greek” actor has denied the allegations, saying his relationships have “always been consensual.”

Known for his untamed and risque stand-up comedy, Brand hosted radio and television shows, wrote a memoir detailing his struggles with drugs and alcohol, appeared in several Hollywood films and was briefly married to pop star Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012.

The brand has largely disappeared from mainstream media in recent years, but has gained a large online following thanks to videos combining conspiracy theories and wellness.