British comedian and actor Russell Brand, 48, has vehemently denied allegations of sexual assaults, including rape, made by four women in a report published by the Sunday Times.
The accusations span a seven-year period during the height of his fame, from 2006 to 2013.
Brand, the former husband of U.S. singer Katy Perry, issued a denial in response to unspecified “very serious criminal allegations” shortly before the newspaper’s publication.
The Sunday Times did not confirm whether any of the accusers had filed formal complaints with the police, and attempts to reach Brand’s representatives for further comment were unsuccessful.
The allegations, as reported by The Times, include one woman accusing Brand of rape and another asserting that he assaulted her when she was only 16 and still in school.
Two of the accusers claim that the incidents occurred in Los Angeles.
Channel 4 TV’s documentary show “Dispatches” was set to reveal more details about the allegations, and clips of the women describing their experiences were broadcast on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
In a video message on social media, Brand addressed the accusations, acknowledging his history of promiscuity but adamantly asserting that all his relationships during that period were consensual.
He characterized the allegations as “extremely egregious and aggressive attacks” mixed in with what he described as “stupid stuff.”
The Sunday Times report resulted from a joint investigation with “Dispatches” that began in 2019.
Brand, once one of Britain’s most prominent comedians, was known for his flamboyant style and frequent appearances on television and radio, including work for the BBC.
He also starred in several films, such as “Get Him to the Greek.” However, he now primarily focuses on online projects, including podcasts and social media shows, where he has amassed a significant following.
Brand concluded his video message by stating that he doesn’t mind discussions about his promiscuous past being based on his books and stand-up, but he emphatically refutes the “very, very serious criminal allegations” brought against him.
The allegations and Brand’s response have ignited a public debate about the credibility of the accusations and the importance of addressing sexual assault allegations with sensitivity and due process.
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