Brand's statement over alleged assault

Russell Brand has denied any knowledge of an alleged rape said to have occurred at the flat he rented during the Edinburgh Fringe.

Police are investigating claims that a 20-year-old student had been drugged and raped at a party in the comic’s temporary New Town accommodation.

In a statement, his managers said: ‘Russell Brand has no knowledge of, let alone any involvement in, the alleged assault of an Edinburgh woman.

‘Mr Brand understands that a woman who, with a number of other people, visited his rented flat during the Edinburgh Fringe, has made a complaint to the police.

‘Mr Brand has no knowledge of what the complaint is about other than what has been published in the press.’

’As it was Mr Brand's flat, the police have asked to speak with him on his return from holiday and he is happy to assist the police with their inquiries.’

‘Mr Brand now asks that the deeply offensive, untrue and unfair press speculation should stop.’

Police plan to talk to everyone who attended the party, held on the last weekend of the festival.

The woman says she awoke in the flat feeling uncomfortable and as if she had had sex. She believes her drink had been spiked.

Published: 20 Aug 2006