Russell Brand has come forward to address the public following new formal charges against him, which now include an accusation of rape and a sexual assault involving two more women. These charges by the Metropolitan Police add to earlier allegations involving four other women.

In a video recorded from his car, Brand, wearing a baseball cap that read “Jesus Loves You,” spoke about enduring challenges and praised Jesus, though he did not directly reference his new legal troubles. He began by greeting his “most adored and beloved friends,” stating: “Season’s greetings, and it’s the season of Christ, Jesus, lord and savior, the coming of the light and the power. This is a time of great darkness. We’re all aware of that – a time of confusion and dispute and conflict, but I’ve learned in my own life that attack can bring about grace.”

He expressed gratitude for the chance to be involved in change and growth, acknowledging past mistakes. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity in my own life that I get to participate in change and transformation and growth and love, and I feel so blessed that I have the opportunity to atone for the many things over the years I did wrong, and the opportunity to ensure that people understand the truth of my situation and scenario,” he remarked.

Brand implied that his message was a prayer, stating: “Oh Lord, I ask that the people that see this video are able to pay attention to what’s happened in the last couple of years when it comes to media, independent media politics, not only in the United States of America, but of course, in my home, the UK, that appears to be using bureaucracy increasingly to legitimize authority.”

He concluded with a heartfelt plea: “I pray, Lord, that anyone that I’ve harmed or hurt in my years of mindlessness in sin would be healed.”

“Lord, I pray for infinite light and wonderful healing for them. And I pray, Lord for the absolute truth of who I am to be abundantly revealed and who I’ve always been, Lord, who I’ve always been, because I am your creation. You are my master,” he said.

“I pray for comfort for all of those that are suffering. I pray for all those that are suffering, Lord, that we would be healed in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, in this Christmas season.”

Appearing to finish his prayer and address those watching, he added: “Hey, 26 is going to be big. Let Jesus Christ into your life. There are going to be big staged… I don’t want to say battles… trials, is what I want to call them trials. But as it says in James, we consider it great joy when we face trials of any kind.”

He signed off by reinforcing his love for Jesus and telling his followers he also loved them.

The 50-year-old will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on January 20 in relation to the new alleged offences.