British police have launched an investigation into allegations of sexual offenses against comedian Russell Brand. The Metropolitan Police in London confirmed that they are looking into several allegations, including sexual assault, rape, and indecent exposure. The investigation was initiated following a joint investigation by the Times of London, The Sunday Times, and Channel 4 Dispatches, in which four women accused Brand of sexual assault or rape, while a fifth woman accused him of flashing his genitals.
The Metropolitan Police stated that they have received allegations of sexual offenses in London and other parts of the country. The allegations are all non-recent, according to the police statement. The police did not provide any further details regarding the specific allegations against Brand.
Russell Brand, 48, denied all the claims against him, stating that his relationships were always consensual. The investigation is being led by detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Central Specialist Crime Command, under the supervision of Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy.
Senior British politicians have called for a thorough investigation into the allegations against Brand. The entertainment industry in the UK is also facing scrutiny over whether the comedian’s alleged misconduct went unchallenged due to his fame.
The accusers, who have not been named in the joint media investigation, include one woman who claimed she was sexually assaulted by Brand when she was 16 during a relationship with him. Another woman alleged that Brand raped her in Los Angeles in 2012.
The Metropolitan Police have encouraged anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a sexual offense, regardless of when it occurred, to come forward and contact them. They have assured the availability of specialist officers to provide support and guidance to potential victims.
