Russell Brand: Met Police alerted to a possible sexual assault incident dating back to 2003

The Metropolitan Police has received a report regarding an alleged sexual assault in 2003, following recent media allegations involving comedian Russell Brand. Although the police did not mention Brand by name, they have stated that they are in contact with the woman who made the report and are providing her with support. Brand has been accused of rape and sexual assaults between 2006 and 2013, which he denies. As a result of these allegations, upcoming shows on Brand's live tour have been postponed. The promoter confirmed this decision. One of the women whose allegations were part of the investigation by The Times, The Sunday Times, and Channel 4 Dispatches described Brand's denials as "laughable" and stated that his behavior had been an "open secret." The Metropolitan Police released a statement acknowledging the media allegations and confirmed that a report of a sexual assault in 2003 had been made. The police have also reached out to the newspapers and Channel 4 to ensure that anyone who believes they have been a victim of a sexual offense knows how to report it to the authorities. They continue to encourage victims to come forward, regardless of how long ago the incident occurred. However, the police have not yet launched a criminal investigation or made any arrests. The BBC has contacted Brand's representatives for comment, but he has already dismissed all claims of misconduct as part of a "coordinated attack" involving "very serious allegations" that he vehemently denies. Brand, who now primarily focuses on videos online about spirituality and politics, stated that all his relationships have been consensual. Unfortunately, his stage show, Bipolarisation, in Windsor has been postponed, as confirmed by the promoters. The allegations against Brand have prompted investigations by the BBC, Channel 4, and a production firm. The Times has received further allegations since the investigation was announced, but these have yet to be verified. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's spokesman called the allegations "very serious" and emphasized the need to eliminate any space for harassment. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer mentioned that she would speak with broadcasters regarding their investigations into Brand. Brand's publisher, Bluebird, stated that it is putting all future projects with him on hold. Brand has been working with the publisher since 2017 and had another book scheduled for release in December. Additionally, a woman identified as Alice, who accused Brand of sexual assault when she was 16, spoke out on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour. She described Brand's denial as "laughable" and "insulting" and expressed relief that her story is finally receiving attention. Alice also shared that her mother tried to warn her about Brand's behavior when she was still in school. She claimed to have been "groomed," felt cheapened, developed an eating disorder, and experienced difficulties in her subsequent relationships. Alice called for the implementation of legal "staggered ages of consent." Lorraine Heggessey, the former controller of BBC One, acknowledged that there were numerous examples of unacceptable behavior by Brand during his time at the BBC. These examples include a clip where Brand jokingly offered his female assistant to Jimmy Savile during a live phone conversation. Heggessey believes that such content should have been flagged and addressed by Brand's superiors, even before the revelations about Savile emerged.