British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been released on bail following a session at London’s Westminster Magistrates Court, where he faced accusations of rape and sexual assault.
During a brief court appearance on Friday, Brand only confirmed his identity, date of birth, residence, and acknowledged the conditions of his bail.
The 49-year-old, who was once a prominent figure in British media and was married to American pop star Katy Perry, has consistently refuted claims of non-consensual sexual activity since the allegations surfaced two years ago.
Dressed in a dark, unbuttoned shirt and sunglasses, Brand navigated through a crowd of reporters and photographers as he entered the court, remaining silent.
On April 4, London police formally charged Brand with rape, oral rape, indecent assault, and two sexual assault charges related to incidents with four women from 1999 to 2005.
In the early 2000s, Brand was a familiar face on British television, recognized for his extravagant style. He worked with the BBC and starred in various films, including “Get Him to the Greek,” and was married to Perry in 2010, though they divorced 14 months later.
By the beginning of the 2020s, Brand had become less visible in mainstream media, focusing primarily on his online channel where he discusses US politics and issues of free speech.
In September 2023, the Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches aired reports with allegations of sexual offenses against him, prompting an investigation by London police shortly after.
In a video he shared on his X account, Brand expressed his eagerness to clear his name.
He is scheduled to appear at London’s Old Bailey on May 30.
with PA
