Explosive Scandal Unveiled: UK Police Launch Investigation into Shocking Sexual Assault Allegations Against Russell Brand
London police launch investigation into 2003 sexual assault allegation following media outlets' joint probe on comedian Russell Brand's career
London's Metropolitan Police announced on Monday that they are currently investigating a sexual assault allegation dating back to 2003. This follows a joint investigation by three prominent British media outlets, The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4's "Dispatches," published on Saturday. According to the investigation, four women have accused comedian and actor Russell Brand of sexually assaulting them on separate occasions between 2006 and 2013. Notably, one of the accusers claims to have been 16 years old while Brand was 31 at the time of the alleged incident in London.
The allegations of sexual offenses, reported by The Sunday Times and Channel 4's Dispatches, have been acknowledged by a Met spokesperson on Monday. The British comedian, who has denied the allegations, remains unnamed.
A report of a sexual assault in Soho, central London in 2003 was received by the Metropolitan Police on Sunday, 17 September. The officers are currently in contact with the woman and ensuring she receives the necessary support.
Downing Street also addressed the allegations in the documentary, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's official spokesman stating on Monday, "These allegations are extremely serious and troubling. The Metropolitan Police has urged anyone who believes they have been subjected to a sexual assault to come forward and speak to law enforcement officers."
Brand preemptively addressed the allegations in a video posted on his verified Instagram page prior to the report's release. In the video, he vehemently denied the claims, referring to them as "extremely serious allegations" that he completely rejects. The women mentioned in the report opted to remain anonymous and their claims have not been independently verified by CNN.
Brand performed at London's Troubabour Wembley Park on Saturday.
James Manning/PA/AP
Brands upcoming show at the Theatre Royal Windsor for his "Bipolarisation" tour has been postponed, following the publication of the joint investigation.
The theater released a statement on behalf of the tour promoters, announcing the delay of the remaining addiction charity fundraiser shows. While it's not ideal, we trust that you'll comprehend the circumstances.
Media companies launch investigations
The alleged assaults that took place during the time when Brand, a well-known personality across various UK television channels, was active have prompted media companies, which previously aired his shows, to initiate internal investigations.
Russell Brand presents at the MusiCares Person of the Year event, honoring Aerosmith, held at West Hall in the Los Angeles Convention Center on January 24, 2020.
Russell Brand refutes 'criminal allegations' connected to his 'promiscuous history.'
The BBC spokesperson stated on Sunday that the documentary and its accompanying reports included significant accusations that spanned multiple years. Russell Brand was employed in BBC radio programs from 2006 to 2008, and we are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the raised concerns.
The spokesperson stated that the BBC has progressively changed its perspective on talent and complaints over the years and has specific expectations regarding behavior in the workplace. The spokesperson assured that the BBC will attentively address any concerns raised by individuals, regardless of whether they are about current or former BBC employees.
Additionally, Channel 4 has taken down all programs associated with Brand from its online platform.
Russell Brands career
Channel 4 spokesperson stated that all content showcasing Russell Brand has been removed temporarily to allow investigation. This encompasses episodes of the Great British Bake Off and the Big Brother box sets in which he made appearances, as mentioned to The Telegraph on Sunday evening.Brand has refuted claims made against him in a letter and an email by a mainstream media TV company and a newspaper. However, he chose not to disclose the identities of these organizations. In a video shared on social media, Brand stated that the communications included a series of highly offensive and aggressive attacks, along with a number of very serious allegations that he vehemently denies.
Brand shared the video with his 11.2 million followers on X, previously known as Twitter, and his 3.8 million followers on Instagram.
Brand rose to prominence as a comedian and actor, first gaining recognition in UK reality TV shows and films, and eventually appearing in several Hollywood movies.
In recent years he has built a vast digital platform around wellness.
CNNs Amy Cassidy, Lauren Kent, Dan Heching and Alex Hardie contributed reporting.
