British actor and comedian Russell Brand, the ex-husband of American singer Katy Perry, has been accused on Friday of several counts of rape and sexual assault against four women in the UK.

The actor, who denied the allegations claimed they were “always consensual”.

He is due to appear at a London court on May 2.

The alleged abuse began to be investigated by police in September 2023 when English media outlets such as Channel 4 and The Sunday Times published testimonies from four women who claimed to have been sexually assaulted by Brand.

“We have today authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Russell Brand about allegations made following the airing of a Channel 4 documentary in September 2023,” the CPS said.

Russell Edward Brand (born 4 June 1975) is an English comedian, actor, podcaster and media personality.

He established himself as a standup comedian and radio host before becoming a film actor. After beginning his career as a comedian and later becoming an MTV presenter in the UK, in 2004 Brand gained a role as the host of the television show Big Brother’s Big Mouth, a Big Brother spin-off.

He had his first major film role in British comedy St Trinian’s (2007) before starring in the Hollywood comedies Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008), Get Him to the Greek (2010), Arthur (2011), and Rock of Ages (2012). He has released several stand-up specials including Scandalous (2009), Messiah Complex (2013), and Brandemic (2023).

He hosted his own radio show The Russell Brand Show (2006–2008, 2010, 2013, 2017) and also hosted the podcasts Stay Free with Russell Brand and Under the Skin with Russell Brand.

He has received three British Comedy Awards and a nomination for a BAFTA Award.