Key Points:

• Russell Brand has been charged with rape and multiple sexual assaults involving four women.
• The alleged offenses occurred between 1999 and 2005, including one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault.
• He is scheduled to appear in Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 2.
• Brand continues to deny the allegations, claiming all past relations were consensual.

British comedian Russell Brand has been formally charged by London's Metropolitan Police with multiple counts of sexual offenses, including rape, indecent assault, and oral rape. These charges relate to incidents involving four women between the years of 1999 and 2005. The allegations gained public attention following a joint investigation by The Times, Channel 4 Dispatches, and The Sunday Times, which published their findings in September 2023, prompting a police inquiry that has continued to unfold.

According to a statement from the police, Brand faces serious charges: one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. The incidents allegedly occurred in various locations, including Bournemouth and Westminster. A police representative noted that the investigation remains open, encouraging anyone with additional information to come forward. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy emphasized the ongoing support provided to the victims involved.

Brand, known for his flamboyant style and previously high-profile career in comedy and television, has repeatedly denied the allegations. He asserted via various platforms, including social media and interviews, that his relationships were always consensual. Following the emergence of these serious accusations, he described the situation as a "coordinated attack" against him.

The Crown Prosecution Service, represented by prosecutor Jaswant Narwal, stated that the decision to charge Brand followed an extensive examination of the evidence gathered during the police investigation. Narwal urged caution in public commentary, highlighting the importance of a fair trial for the accused.

Scheduled to appear in court on May 2, Brand's legal troubles come at a time when he has attempted to reshape his public persona, focusing on social commentary through online platforms. His previous celebrity status, particularly during his marriage to pop star Katy Perry, contrasts sharply with the serious nature of the current allegations.

Please refer to the original articles for more detailed coverage: BBC, Reuters, NY Times, CBS News.