Metropolitan Police Launch Investigation Into Two New Rape Complaints Against Russell Brand

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that they are investigating two new rape complaints against comedian Russell Brand, following his recent conviction at Southwark Crown Court. The entertainer, now 51, was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault after a three-week trial. A jury composed of eight men and four women delivered the verdicts, while Brand was acquitted of two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who led the police investigation, stated that the guilty verdicts may encourage additional victims to come forward. He expressed hope that other women would feel the courage and confidence to report their experiences after seeing the outcome of the recent trial. Furphy noted that the investigation, known as Operation Actinolite, has been ongoing for three years and involved a dedicated team of officers.

The initial allegations against Brand surfaced in the media in September 2023, when the Times, Sunday Times, and Channel 4's Dispatches program jointly reported that four women had accused him of rape, sexual assault, and emotional abuse. Brand strongly denied these claims at the time. Following the media coverage, the police received numerous reports from across the country and began gathering more than 340 witness statements from former employers, colleagues, and associates.

Officers described the investigation as challenging due to the non-recent nature of the allegations, with the earliest dating back 27 years. The lack of CCTV and forensic evidence required the team to rely on witness testimonies and other available materials. One officer was even assigned to review Brand's books, stand-up routines, DVDs, and podcasts to help build the case. Furphy explained that the team looked into where victims were at the time of the incidents and who they spoke to in the aftermath.

During the investigation, Brand was interviewed four times in total. In each interview, he provided a prepared statement claiming he did not recognize the complainants or recall the incidents, and that any sexual activity would have been consensual. He answered no comment to further questions. Charges were first brought against him in early April 2025, and he was charged with additional offenses in July 2025.

The trial began on 14 October 2026, with Brand entering the glass dock at Southwark Crown Court accompanied by his wife, Laura. The complainants gave evidence from behind a screen, with some crying during their testimony. A former personal assistant described Brand as having an insane sexual appetite, while other witnesses, including a former friend and the parents of one victim, also provided evidence. In court, Brand was described by some as ruthless and a sexual predator.

The high profile of the case and intense media scrutiny added complexity to the police work. Furphy noted that Brand initially appeared quiet in interviews but became more emboldened as the process continued. Despite the challenges, the detective credited the women for their bravery during what he described as a deeply uncomfortable process. The focus of the investigation, Furphy said, has always been on the victims rather than on Brand himself.

Katy Perry, who was married to Brand from 2010 to 2012, was not interviewed as part of the investigation. Several witnesses who had previously had sexual relationships with the comedian also came forward to provide statements. The police believe the recent convictions will serve as a catalyst for further reports, as the dedicated team continues to work through the new complaints.