Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs Russell Brand was delivered the news that he had been charged with rape and sexual assault via the post due to living in Florida but he will return to the UK to face the claimsRussell Brand responds after rape and sexual assault chargesRussell Brand was at his home in Florida when he found out he had been charged with sexual offences including rape. The former comedian came the centre of a police investigation in September 2023. He has been charged with one count of rape, indecent assault and oral rape – as well as two counts of sexual assault relating to four separate women and has been issued a court summons.The incidents are said to have taken place between 1999 and 2005. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Friday, May 2. It’s believed that officers at Scotland Yard, the headquarters of The Metropolitan Police had been ready to charge the 49-year-old for a while but he hasn’t been in the UK for a year.Brand had initially been interviewed by police following a report by Channel 4’s Dispatches and The Sunday Times. His lawyers have also stated that he will be flying back into London for the hearing in just under four weeks. It is alleged that in 1999 a woman was raped in the Bournemouth area, in 2001 a woman was indecently assaulted in the Westminster area of London and in 2004 a woman was orally raped and sexually assaulted in the Westminster area of London. It is also alleged that between 2004 and 2005, a woman was sexually assaulted in the Westminster area of London.Russell Brand took to social media to hit out after being charged(Image: Instagram/russellbrand)Following the Dispatches and Sunday Times investigation, Brand furiously denied the allegations. In the wake of being charged, he took to his multiple social media channels to address the latest news in the ongoing investigation as he vehemently denied being a rapist.He said in a video: “I’ve always told you guys that when I was young and single, before I had my wife and family who are just out of shot over there, my beautiful children, I was a fool, man. I was a fool, man, 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 you for your continuing support.Russell received the charge via the post at his home in Florida(Image: Getty Images)”I want let you know that our show will be on Rumble on Monday, thanks for your support there. 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.”In a statement, the Met’s lead investigator, Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said: “The women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers. The Met’s investigation remains open and detectives ask anyone who has been affected by this case, or anyone who has any information, to come forward and speak with police. A dedicated team of investigators is available via email at CIT@met.police.uk.Russell Brand is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court next month(Image: AFP via Getty Images)”Support is also available by contacting the independent charity, Rape Crisis at 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.” Meanwhile, Jaswant Narwal from the Crown Prosecution Service said: “We have today authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Russell Brand with a number of sexual offences. We carefully reviewed the evidence after a police investigation into allegations made following the broadcast of a Channel 4 documentary in September 2023.”We have concluded that Russell Brand should be charged with offences including rape, sexual assault and indecent assault. These relate to reported non-recent offences between 1999 and 2005, involving four women. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for a first hearing on Friday May 2 2025.”Ms Narwal added: “The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
