AceShowbiz - Russell Brand has been formally slapped with multiple charges, including rape, indecent assault, oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault, since allegations against him surfaced in 2023.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed these charges on Friday, April 4 and announced that Brand's first court appearance was set on May 2.

The accusations stem from incidents alleged to have occurred in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as detailed in a release by the authorities. Detectives in the United Kingdom initiated their investigation into Brand in September 2023 after receiving numerous allegations.

These tips came on the heels of extensive reporting by the British press highlighting Brand's alleged inappropriate sexual behavior. Brand has consistently denied any wrongdoing, a stance he reiterated during an interview with Tucker Carlson, calling the accusations "very hurtful."

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy confirmed that "the women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers," and encouraged anyone affected by this case to come forward and speak with the police.

This legal trouble for Brand follows a formal apology by the BBC to its employees in January over its mishandling of harassment complaints during Brand's tenure at the network.

A review by the British news organization found that power dynamics had enabled Brand's "unacceptable" behavior. Brand reportedly exposed himself to a woman in a bathroom shortly before recording a segment for his radio show, where he later joked about the encounter.

Another troubling claim came from a woman who had a three-month relationship with Brand while he was a presenter for Radio 6. She alleged that Brand, then in his 30s, would have a car pick her up from school or her grandmother's house and bring her to his home when she was just 16 years old.

Since the series of accusations and mounting evidence against him, Brand has taken a religious turn, announcing plans to be baptized and frequently using his social media platforms to disseminate various conspiracy theories, ranging from 9/11 to the COVID-19 vaccine.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support to survivors and their loved ones in English and Spanish at: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es.