New rape, sexual assault charges against comedian
Krutika Pathi
London: British authorities have brought forward new rape and sexual assault charges against comedian Russell Brand, who is already facing similar allegations against four women.
The UK Crown Prosecution Service said the new charges against Brand, one of rape and the other of sexual assault, relate to two other women. The alleged offenses took place in 2009, the CPS said on Tuesday London time.
Brand, 50, was charged in April with two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. The charges followed an 18-month investigation after four women claimed they were assaulted by the controversial comedian.
Prosecutors said the crimes took place between 1999 and 2005, including one in the English seaside town of Bournemouth and the other three in London. Brand denied these accusations in the London court.
He is expected to appear in court again on January 20 on two new charges against him. A trial is planned for June next year and is expected to last four to five weeks.
Bring It to Greek The actor, known for his racy stand-up routines and struggles with drugs and alcohol, has withdrawn from mainstream media in recent years.
He has built a large following online with videos that mix healthy living, conspiracy theories, and discuss religion.
When the initial charges were announced in April, Brand said he welcomed the opportunity to prove his innocence.
