LONDON — British authorities on Tuesday brought new charges of rape and sexual assault against comedian Russell Brand, who… similar charges have already been brought featuring four women.
The Crown Prosecution Service said new charges – one of rape and one of sexual assault – had been brought against Brand against two more women. The alleged crimes took place in 2009, Rospotrebnadzor said.
Brand, 50, was already charged in April with two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. The charges came after an 18-month investigation that began after four women said they were assaulted by the controversial comedian.
Prosecutors said the crimes took place between 1999 and 2005 – one in the English seaside town of Bournemouth and the other three in London. Brand pleaded not guilty on these charges in a London court earlier this year.
He is next expected to appear in court on January 20 on two new charges brought against him. The trial is also scheduled for June next year and is expected to last four to five weeks.
The Take Him to the Greek actor, known for his risque performances and battles with drugs and alcohol, has retired from mainstream media in recent years. He has amassed a large following online with videos that mix health and conspiracy theories and discuss religious issues.
When the first round of charges were announced in April, Brand said he welcomed the opportunity to prove his innocence.
“I was a fool until I lived in the light of the Lord,” he said in a social media video. “I was a drug addict, a sex addict and an idiot. But I was never a rapist. I never engaged in non-consensual activities. I pray that you can see that when you look into my eyes.”
The Associated Press does not name victims of alleged sexual assault, and British law protects their identities from the media for life.
