At a Glance
- Russell Brand appeared in a London court via video link from the U.S. on January 20, 2026
- He faces two fresh charges of sexual assault and rape tied to 2009 London incidents
- A judge granted him bail; his next plea hearing is set for February 17
- Why it matters: The new counts add to earlier 2025 charges, keeping the comedian in legal peril
Russell Brand logged into Westminster Magistrates’ Court from across the Atlantic on Tuesday and left six minutes later with bail secured, still facing allegations that could derail his career.
Six-Minute Hearing, Two New Charges
The 50-year-old actor and podcaster spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during the brief remote session, according to the BBC. Court papers show he was charged in December 2025 with:
- One count of sexual assault
- One count of rape
Both alleged offenses involve separate women and date back to London in 2009.
Bail Granted, Future Court Dates Locked
A London magistrate released Brand on conditional bail. His legal calendar now includes:
- February 17, 2026 – Plea hearing at Southwark Crown Court
- No travel restrictions disclosed
The hearing drew global media attention because it marks the first time Brand has answered the newest counts in open court.
Earlier 2025 Charges Still Pending
These fresh allegations sit alongside a prior indictment filed in April 2025. In that case Brand faces:
- Five counts of assault and rape
- Four alleged victims
- Time span from 1999 to 2005
He pleaded not guilty to all five counts in May 2025. A trial date for those matters has not been announced.
Brand’s Public Denial
After the 2023 media investigation that triggered police inquiries, Brand posted a video statement saying, “I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity,” according to the Hollywood Reporter. He added, “I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes.”
Ongoing Police Appeal
Metropolitan Police Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy reiterated that the investigation remains active. In a prior statement he said, “The women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers,” urging anyone with information to come forward.
Support Resources
Authorities encourage anyone affected by sexual violence to contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit rainn.org for confidential help.
Key Takeaways
- Brand’s legal exposure now totals seven criminal counts across two separate cases
- The earliest alleged incident stretches back 26 years; the newest stems from 2009
- With bail secured, the comedian’s next procedural step is the February plea hearing
