Devendra Kumar
Actor and comedian Russell Brand has been accused of rape, sexual assault, and emotional abuse by four women, allegedly committed during a seven-year period between 2006 and 2013. According to the allegations, Brand engaged in controlling, abusive, and predatory behavior throughout his relationship with the women. Despite the serious nature of the accusations, Brand has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, claiming that all his relationships during that time were consensual.
Brand released a video statement on Friday, stating that he had received letters from a “mainstream media TV company” and a newspaper containing a “litany of extremely egregious and aggressive attacks” that included the allegations of rape, sexual assault, and emotional abuse. He went on to claim that the allegations were a “coordinated attack” and that he intends to “refute” them. Brand also accused the media of distorting his transparency about his past sexual behavior, claiming that he had been “too transparent” about his promiscuity.
It is worth noting that Brand has a history of controversy, having previously sparked outrage with his BBC Radio 2 prank, known as Sachsgate, which targeted Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs. He was also married to US pop star Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012 before marrying Laura Gallacher, the sister of presenter Kirsty, with whom he has two children.
In recent years, Brand has become a prominent conspiracy theorist, using his immense following on YouTube to spread misinformation and skepticism about various topics, including the Covid-19 pandemic and the 9/11 terror attacks. His channel has gained almost seven million followers, and his videos often feature outlandish theories and claims.
Despite the growing controversy surrounding him, Brand has scheduled a live comedy show, Russell Brand Bipolarisation, which has four remaining dates in September, including a performance at Wembley Park Theatre on Saturday.