Russell Brand Faces Two New Counts of Rape and Sexual Assault

British comedian and actor Russell Brand, 50, was formally charged on Dec. 23 with two additional historic sexual-offence counts — one count of rape and one count of sexual assault — the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced.

“Now 34° Thu 37° Fri 25° byKRUTIKA PATHI Associated Press LONDON (AP) —British authorities on Tuesday broughtnew counts of rape and sexual assaultagainst comedian Russell Brand, who is already facing similar charges involving four women”

13wham

Authorities say the new allegations relate to two further women and are said to date from 2009, and Brand is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 20 January 2026.

13wham

Multiple outlets report the charges as separate from earlier counts brought in April 2025 and reiterate that the investigation is ongoing.

The new counts are separate from earlier charges authorised in April 2025.

Those earlier counts were linked to four women and generally include two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault.

9News.au

Brand pleaded not guilty to the earlier charges and is due to stand trial on those allegations next year.

Most outlets report a trial window in June 2026, though reporting differs on the exact start date.

Brand has publicly denied being a rapist.

“British authorities have brought new counts of rape and sexual assault against comedian Russell Brand, who is already facing similar charges involving four women”

9news.au

He has repeatedly described himself as a former drug and sex addict and asserted he has never engaged in non-consensual activity.

Several outlets quote his social posts or videos in which he asks for the truth of his situation to be known, prays for anyone he may have harmed, and reiterates his desire to prove his innocence.

Investigative reporting in September 2023 by Channel 4's Dispatches and The Sunday Times/The Times initiated scrutiny.

That reporting prompted the Metropolitan Police to open an 18-month investigation and led to initial charges in April 2025.

ABC News

In much of the coverage, police and prosecutors remind readers that specialist support is available to complainants.

Many pieces supply contact details for the Met team and the independent charity Rape Crisis.

Coverage reflects broader impacts beyond the courtroom.

“British authorities have brought new charges of rape and sexual assault against comedian Russell Brand LONDON -- British authorities on Tuesday brought new counts of rape and sexual assault against comedian Russell Brand, who isalready facing similar chargesinvolving four women”

ABC News

Several outlets report internal broadcaster reviews, editorial apologies and professional fallout after the original reporting.

ABC27

Other outlets emphasize legal safeguards and the need for fair-trial reporting.

Reporting varies on the exact wording of earlier counts, trial start dates and how much narrative detail was published.

As a result, readers will encounter similar facts presented with different emphases across source types.