British actor and comedian Russell Brand has been granted bail at London’s Westminster Magistrates Court after appearing at a hearing to face charges of rape and sexual assault.
Brand spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and that he understood his bail conditions during a short hearing on Friday.
Brand, once one of Britain’s most high-profile broadcasters and former husband of US pop singer Katy Perry, has consistently denied having non-consensual sex since allegations about him were first aired two years ago.
The 49-year-old comedian, wearing sunglasses and a dark shirt unbuttoned to his chest, slowly picked his way through a throng of reporters and cameramen into court without speaking.
London police charged Brand on April 4 with rape, oral rape, indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault involving the four women between 1999 and 2005.
In the 2000s, Brand was a regular on British screens, known for his flamboyant style and appearance. He worked for the BBC and starred in a number of films including Get Him to the Greek before marrying Perry in 2010. They divorced 14 months later.
By the early 2020s he had faded from mainstream culture, appearing primarily on his internet channel where he airs his views on US politics and free speech.
In September 2023, the Sunday Times newspaper and Channel 4 TV’s documentary show Dispatches reported allegations of sex offences against him, and London police opened an investigation some weeks later.
In a video previously posted on his X account, Brand said he welcomed the opportunity to prove his innocence.
Brand will appear at London’s Old Bailey on May 30.
with PA
