Comedian and actor Russell Brand has been formally charged with multiple sexual offenses, including rape and sexual assault, following an extensive investigation by the Metropolitan Police into reports spanning from 1999 to 2005.

The 50-year-old is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2. The charges involve four women and include one count of rape, one count of oral rape, one count of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault.

It is alleged that Brand raped a woman in 1999 in the Bournemouth area, indecently assaulted a woman in 2001 in the Westminster area of London, orally raped and sexually assaulted another woman in 2004 in Westminster, and sexually assaulted a fourth woman in Westminster between 2004 and 2005.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: "The Met's investigation remains open and detectives ask anyone who has been affected by this case, or anyone who has any information, to come forward and speak with police."

The investigation began in September 2023 after multiple women reported their experiences. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy confirmed that those involved are receiving support from specially trained officers.

Brand has denied all accusations, stating that his relationships "were absolutely, always consensual".