Russell Brand shares Instagram post about 'rape gangs' just hours before he's due in court
Brand has been charged with a number of alleged crimes dating back to 1999. It comes following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police. He continues to deny the allegations. It's understood Brand currently lives in the US and his recent charges were posted to him.
Just before attending court, Brand took to Instagram to address his American audience on scenes he says are currently happening in the UK. Brand captioned his upload on the platform: "This is happening in Britain right now."
The first slide of his post read: "Dear Americans, Imagine this for a moment. What if 15 to 20 US states were overrun by gangs, r*ping adults/children every single day?
"Now imagine if Trump never addressed it - never spoke about it or acknowledged it. That's happening in Britain right now."
He then shared a video in which he claimed it was weird MPs weren't listing victims' names when discussing the issue, but instead were listing principalities. He went on to address his American audience to ask how they would feel if they were talking about their states.
He then asked: "What's going on in the United Kingdom and why is anyone that's willing to speak about this stuff apparently turned into a pariah? Certainly not talking about myself in this instance."
He went on to say he was talking about 'divisive individuals like Tommy Robinson, who is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence for contempt of court.
Brand added: "It seems to me it's some part of some broad berserker plan to destabilise the western and in particular Anglophonic world and yet more particular Christen them."
Followers were divided in the comments section. While one person asked if he had "thought about running for government in the UK,"another said: "You understand how ridiculous it is to see a rape post from you, right??"
Police began investigating Brand in September 2023 after they received a number of reports, which followed allegations made by a report from Channel 4 's Dispatches and The Sunday Times. The Met later concluded the actor should be charged in connection with alleged offences between 1999 and 2005, involving four women.
His charges were confirmed in a statement on Friday April 4, released by a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, also shared details about the case.
He said: "The women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers. The Met's investigation remains open and detectives ask anyone who has been affected by this case, or anyone who has any information, to come forward and speak with police."
He continued: "A dedicated team of investigators is available via email at CIT@met.police.uk. Support is also available by contacting the independent charity, Rape Crisis at 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line."
Brand vehemently denied the allegations in a video shared on his Instagram following the statement. Speaking in the video, he said: "I've always told you guys that when I was young and single, before I had my wife and family who are just out of shot over there, my beautiful children, I was a fool, man.
"I was a fool, man, before I lived in the light of the Lord. I was a drug addict, a sex addict, and an imbecile, but what I never was, was a rapist. I've never engaged in non-consensual activity, I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes. I want to thank all of you for your continuing support."
He went on to say: "And of course I'm now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court and I'm incredibly grateful for that. In the meantime you lot, stay free. and we will be continuing to discuss this matter. Praise the Lord."
On Friday, May 2, Brand was granted conditional bail after appearing at a 12 minute hearing.
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