London, England – Comedian and actor Russell Brand is facing serious charges of rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault dating back to the late 1990s and early 2000s. The charges involve four separate women and have come to light after a thorough investigation by various media outlets and law enforcement agencies.

Brand, 49, vehemently denied the allegations, describing them as “very, very hurtful” in response to the multiple interviews conducted by the police following the investigation in September 2023. The Metropolitan Police has officially charged Brand with one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. These incidents allegedly took place in different locations between 1999 and 2005.

Authorities have instructed Brand to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2nd, although it is believed that he is currently in the United States. In cases where a suspect is overseas, prosecutors typically work towards securing the defendant’s return. However, if cooperation is not forthcoming, extradition may be considered.

Speaking on the matter, Jaswant Narwal of the Crown Prosecution Service emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that after a thorough assessment of the evidence, Brand is facing charges related to rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault. The reported incidents involve four women and are classified as non-recent offenses.

The Metropolitan Police’s detective superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, highlighted the importance of providing support to the women who have come forward with their reports. He urged anyone with information related to the case to contact the authorities or the independent charity, Rape Crisis, for assistance.

As the legal proceedings unfold, it is essential to respect the defendant’s right to a fair trial and refrain from sharing any information that could potentially prejudice the case. The investigation remains ongoing, and the police are encouraging anyone affected by the situation to come forward and share their experiences.

This developing story continues to evolve, with updates expected to be released shortly. For the latest information, readers can stay informed through various platforms, including the BBC News App and social media channels like @BBCBreaking on X for real-time alerts on breaking news.