Police detectives investigating Russell Brand regarding historic allegations of sex crimes have asked prosecutors to consider bringing criminal charges against the media personality, according to BBC.
The decision by law enforcement stems from a September 2023 investigative report by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4 Dispatches, which includes testimony from four women who accused the Forgetting Sarah Marshall actor of sexual assault, rape and emotional abuse across a seven-year period at the height of his fame in 2006-2013. One of the women, none of whom know each other and the majority of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity, was 16 at the time of the offense. While Brand has denied the allegations, the women said they felt compelled to speak up given the former presenter’s newfound platform as a right-wing evangelical influencer, who is currently selling a $240 “magical amulet” that wards off Wi-Fi and other “evil energies.”
Since then, police have interviewed Brand three times. The Metropolitan Police said in a statement to BBC that it had received numerous sexual offense reports from women following the original exposé. “A man in his 40s had been interviewed by officers under caution on three separate occasions,” the group said.
“A file of evidence has now been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service for their consideration,” the force added. Meanwhile, CPS confirmed that it had received the file, clearing the way for the consideration of charges.
Throughout the period when the crimes are said to have taken place, Brand was working as a presenter for BBC Radio 2 and Channel 4. Additionally, he is a BAFTA-nominated comedian and was in films like Arthur, Rock of Ages, Get Him to the Greek and Despicable Me. More recently, he’s appeared in Death on the Nile, Minions: The Rise of Gru and Catherine Called Birdy.
A number of media outlets — including BBC, Channel 4 and production company Banijay UK — have apologized or addressed not adequately logging complaints made against Brand throughout his various positions at the companies.
Earlier this year, Brand told Tucker Carlson in an interview that he found the accusations of “what I consider to be the most appalling crimes … very hurtful.”
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is overseeing the investigation, said, “We have a team of dedicated officers providing specialist support to the women who have come forward.” He added that the organization is “committed to investigating sexual offenses, no matter how long ago they are alleged to have taken place.”
Following the allegations, BBC and Channel 4 have removed material featuring Brand from their sites, while YouTube has suspended him from making money from videos posted to his channel.