Russell Brand laps up Florida sun in beach trip after vowing to return to UK to face rape and sexual assault charges
RUSSELL Brand was pictured lapping up the sun in Florida after vowing to return to the UK to face rape and sexual assault charges.
The comedian and actor, 49, has been charged with one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape and two counts of sexual assault.
Brand has previously denied the accusations, and said all his sexual relationships were “absolutely always consensual”.
The TV personality has now been captured enjoying some time in the sun in Florida despite the accusations.
The 49-year-old was seen grinning as he jumped into the sky-blue water in Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island.
Brand, who wore a pair of purple swimming trunks, appeared unfazed by recent developments.
Detectives began investigating Brand after receiving a number of allegations in September 2023.
The Metropolitan Police said the charges relate to four women between 1999 and 2005.
He is charged with the rape of a woman in 1999 in the Bournemouth area and the oral rape and sexual assault of a woman in 2004 in the Westminster area of London.
He has also been charged with indecently assaulting a woman in 2001 and sexually assaulting another woman between 2004 and 2005 – both offences are alleged to have taken place in Westminster, London.
Brand will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2.
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.
“Support is also available by contacting the independent charity, Rape Crisis at 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.”
Jaswant Narwal, of 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.
“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.”
Brand was briefly married to pop star Katy Perry between 2010 and 2012.
He hosted shows on radio and television, wrote memoirs charting his battles with drugs and alcohol and appeared in several Hollywood movies.
In recent years, Brand has largely disappeared from mainstream media but has built up a large following online with videos mixing wellness and conspiracy theories.
He recently said he had moved to the United States.