New statement in wake of Russell Brand reports

The Metropolitan Police says has received several  allegations of ‘non-recent’ sexual offences following widespread media reports about Russell Brand.

The force says it will investigate ‘a number of allegations of sexual offences in London’ as well as elsewhere in the country.

It follows a joint investigation by the Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4's Dispatches in which four women accused Brand of sexual assaults and rape.

The former comedian has strongly denied the claims, admitting he was promiscuous at the peak of his fame, but insisting every encounter was consensual.

In a video streamed on Rumble this afternoon, Brand focussed on the  ‘legacy media’ and what he called its ‘war on free speech and how that has affected me this week’.

He told fans ‘my objectivity has been strongly challenged in recent weeks’ and spoke frequently about moves to ‘silence independent media voices’ like his that challenge ‘established narratives, adding: ’They simply don’t want opposing voices out there’

He also made several pleas for support, and fans made contributions of up to $100 as the video aired.

Det Supt Andy Furphy, from the Met's Central Specialist Crime Command, said: ‘We continue to encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a sexual offence, no matter how long ago it was, to contact us.

‘We understand it can feel like a difficult step to take and I want to reassure that we have a team of specialist officers available to advise and support.’

No arrests have been made in connection with the new allegations made to police.

Published: 25 Sep 2023