48-year-old comedian turned wellness guru Russell Brand is currently under scrutiny for allegations of rape, sexual assault, and emotional abuse spanning seven years. Additionally, Brand has been accused of several instances of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace during the peak of his fame.
Four women have come forward with serious allegations against Russell Brand, spanning the years between 2006 and 2013.
One woman claims that Brand sexually assaulted her without a condom against a wall in his Los Angeles residence.
She asserts that he attempted to prevent her from leaving until she informed him she needed to use the restroom. On the same day, she sought treatment at a rape crisis center, a fact supported by medical records – as reported by The Times.
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A second allegation from a woman in the UK alleges that Brand assaulted her when he was in his early 30s, and she was only 16 years old and still in school.
She claims that during an emotionally abusive and controlling relationship, Brand referred to her as “the child.” In hindsight, she describes his actions as those of a “groomer.”
A third woman claims that Brand sexually assaulted her while they worked together in Los Angeles. She maintains that she repeatedly asked him to stop, and when he eventually relented, he became very angry. She claims that he threatened legal action if she disclosed her allegations to anyone else, as per reports by BBC.
The fourth woman has alleged sexual assault by Brand in the UK, along with physical and emotional abuse during their relationship.
Ongoing investigations also include claims of Brand’s purportedly controlling, abusive, and predatory behaviour as well as instances of inappropriate conduct in the workplace.
Claims involve instances such as Brand broadcasting a phone conversation on his radio program in which he offered to bring a female employee with him to meet Jimmy Savile and agreed, at Savile’s request, that she be naked.
Another claim states that Brand’s former personal assistant, alleges that she witnessed him showing intimate photographs of women to friends.
Two former crew members on the Big Brother’s EFourum show have also asserted that they felt as though they were working as facilitators for Brand’s behaviour.
An accusation from another woman claims that Brand exposed his penis and insinuated that she could engage in oral sex with him when she entered his dressing room.
An allegation from a fellow female comedian asserts that Brand chased her backstage and ‘bit’ her face when they performed together, continuing despite her clear discomfort.
During the period in question (2006-2013), Brand held several prominent positions, including roles at BBC Radio 2, Channel 4, and as an actor in Hollywood films.
These above allegations, if substantiated, raise significant concerns about his behaviour and actions during his career in various high-profile roles.
Russell Brand responds to serious allegations
Before the investigation was published online, Brand took to social media to share a video in which he vehemently denied the allegations against him.
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Brand mentions receiving letters from a television company and a newspaper, describing them as containing a barrage of “aggressive attacks.”
In the video, he addresses what he refers to as “serious criminal allegations” that were soon to be made public and went on to emphasise that his relationships had consistently been “absolutely, always consensual” adding that he refused these allegations.
The 48-year-old then further expressed his belief that he was the target of what he perceived to be a “co-ordinated attack” by mainstream media.
Just hours after the allegations were made public on Saturday, Brand proceeded with a scheduled comedy performance at the 2,000-capacity Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre in north-west London, as part of his Bipolarisation tour.
During his set, Brand indirectly alluded to the accusations without directly addressing them. He mentioned that there were certain topics he wished to discuss but could not address.
Investigations into allegations against Brand are underway
On Sunday, the BBC acknowledged Russell Brand’s employment on BBC radio programs from 2006 to 2008 and stated that it is “urgently looking into the issues raised” by the allegations.
Channel 4 – a company which Brand worked for from 2004 and 2007 – has also initiated its own internal investigation into the “deeply troubling allegations” and has encouraged anyone with information about such behaviour to contact them directly.
Additionally, Banijay UK, a production company, has also launched an “urgent” internal investigation into the allegations related to Russell Brand’s time presenting programs that were broadcast on Channel 4 and E4.
The Metropolitan Police, while not explicitly naming Brand, acknowledged the media reports regarding a series of sexual assault allegations. They confirmed that they had not received any official reports related to these allegations but issued a statement encouraging anyone who believes they have been a victim of sexual assault, regardless of when it occurred, to contact the police.
In a subsequent statement on Sunday, the Metropolitan Police indicated that they had engaged with the Sunday Times and would be pursuing further discussions with both the BBC and Channel 4.
This is a developing story.
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Feature Image: Instagram / @russellbrand
