London’s Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into allegations of “non-recent” sexual offenses following a joint investigation by British media outlets. Comedian Russell Brand has been accused of rape and sexual assault. The investigation, conducted by Channel 4’s Dispatches and The Sunday Times, has prompted multiple allegations of sexual offenses in London and other parts of the country. The Metropolitan Police’s Central Specialist Crime Command, led by Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, will carry out the investigation.
Brand has denied the allegations in public and accused the UK government of attempting to censor him. The police are encouraging anyone who believes they may have been a victim of sexual offense, regardless of how long ago it occurred, to come forward and contact them. The police have a team of specialist officers available to provide support and advice to potential victims.
The allegations against Brand have had significant consequences for his career. As a result of the allegations, YouTube has demonetized his channel, and his live tour has been postponed. Brand gained fame as a comedian and actor and has recently built a presence on YouTube, where he has been accused of promoting conspiracy theories, including Covid denialism.
The joint media investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches details allegations made by four women against Brand. The incidents are said to have taken place between 2006 and 2013, with one woman alleging that she was 16 at the time of the assault, while Brand was 31. The women have chosen to remain anonymous in the report. CNN has not been able to independently verify their claims.
Some of the alleged assaults are said to have occurred in Los Angeles, with one woman seeking treatment at a rape treatment center on the same day as the assault. However, she chose not to file a report, fearing that her words would not carry weight against Brand.
The allegations made in the investigation have been described by Downing Street as “very serious and concerning.” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesperson has urged potential victims to come forward and speak to the officers.
Last week, the Metropolitan Police announced that they were investigating an allegation of sexual assault in 2003. While the spokesperson did not mention Brand by name, they acknowledged the reporting by The Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches and stated that they are in contact with the woman who made the allegation. She will be provided with support throughout the process.