Russell Brand has shared a public response to the charges he's facing in the UK.
Earlier today (April 4), the Metropolitan Police announced that it was charging Brand with a count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape and two counts of sexual assault.
These charges come after the release of a bombshell Channel 4 documentary that was released in 2023.
Brand is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for his first hearing on May 2.
Brand has since issued a response and thanked people for their support.
He also denied the allegations made against him.
He said: "Me, I’ve always told you guys that when I was young and single, before I had my wife and family… I was a fool man.
"I was a fool before I lived in the light of the lord. I was a drug addict, a sex addict and an imbecile, but what I never was, was a rapist. I've never engaged in non consensual activity. I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes. I want to thank all of your for your continuing support."
Brand continued: "I want to let you know that our show will be on Rumble on Monday. And of course I’m now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court and I’m incredibly grateful for that.
"In the meantime you lot, stay free, and we will be continuing to discuss this matter. Praise the lord."
As well as addressing the charges he's facing, Brand took the time to criticize the UK government.
"I'm speaking particularly to those of you that are watching this in the UK," the 49-year-old said.
"How do you feel about your legal system right now? How do you feel about some of the high profile cases that are not being pursued and prosecuted? How do you feel that the Southport murders were handled. How do you feel about the government of Keir Starmer?"
The offences Brand has been accused of date back between 199 and 2005, Metropolitan Police said.
One alleged incident took place in the Bournemouth area, with the others reportedly having took place in the Westminster area of London.
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this article, you can contact The National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800.656.HOPE (4673) available 24/7. Or you can chat online via online.rainn.org Español: rainn.org/es.
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@rustyrocketsTopics: News, Russell Brand, UK News, Celebrity
Niamh Shackleton