U.K. authorities have reportedly charged former comedian and TV presenter Russell Brand with rape and sexual assualt. The charges against Brand, 49, come after a lengthy legal investigation. What we know, ahead. 

The Metropolitan Police’s charges against Russell Brand 

Brand, who was once married to Katy Perry, faces five counts related to rape and sexual assault brought by the Metropolitan Police in London, England, per Deadline. The charges are as follows: one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. 

The charges against Brand are reportedly the result of an investigation that began 18 months ago by detectives. What happens next for Brand, who has faced legal trouble in recent years, remains unclear. The story is still developing. 

Brand moved to Florida in 2024 amid sexual assault allegations

Two months earlier, in February 2025, Brand revealed he’d relocated from the U.K. to Florida amid sexual assault allegations. “I don’t live in the United Kingdom anymore,” he said on Brand said on Rumble, per the Sunday Times of London. 

His reasoning? The British media and government. “I personally have experienced how the media, government and judiciary—if you suddenly become an inconvenience—will find ways to attack and shut you down,” Brand said. 

The outlet alleged that Brand’s move took place ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November 2024. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police told The Hollywood Reporter around the same time they’d passed their file on Brand to prosecutors. 

How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.