Russell Brand, the British comedian and actor, has been questioned by the Metropolitan Police in relation to allegations of historical sex offenses. Following an investigation by the Sunday Times, the Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches, numerous allegations of rape, sexual assaults, and emotional abuse have been made against Brand. The actor has previously denied these claims.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a man in his 40s, reported to be Russell Brand, attended a police station in south London on 16 November. He was interviewed under caution by detectives in relation to three non-recent sexual offense allegations. The police stated that inquiries are ongoing.
In September, the Met announced that it would investigate allegations of non-recent sexual offenses after receiving multiple claims. The force encouraged anyone who believed they may have been a victim of a sexual offense, regardless of how long ago it occurred, to come forward.
The investigation by the Times, Sunday Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches program claimed that four women have accused Brand, aged 48, of sexual offenses, including rape, alleged to have taken place between 2006 and 2013. The investigation also alleged that Brand exhibited predatory and controlling behavior and acted inappropriately at work during this time. Brand held positions at Channel 4 and BBC Radio 2.
The BBC has approached Russell Brand for comment but has not yet received a response. Brand has previously denied the allegations, emphasizing that all his relationships have been consensual.
Before the investigation was published online in September, Brand released a video on social media in which he denied the impending serious criminal allegations and reiterated that his relationships were absolutely, always consensual. In another video following the allegations reported to the Met, Brand criticized the mainstream media but did not directly address the claims made against him.
The questioning by the police marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into Russell Brand and the allegations against him. As inquiries continue, the public awaits further updates on this matter.