The 49-year-old entertainer, who has held the position since 2019, faces multiple charges, including one count of rape, one of indecent assault, one of oral rape, and two further counts of sexual assault, all stemming from incidents between 1999 and 2005.
The charges were confirmed by the Metropolitan Police, who officially informed Brand of the allegations. In response, Brand strongly denied the accusations in a video posted on social media, asserting, “What I never was, was a rapist. I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity.” He went on to express his intention to fight the charges in court, stating, “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to defend these charges.”
Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital, which specializes in the care of sick, injured, and orphaned British wildlife, swiftly responded to the charges by suspending Brand from his ambassadorial role. CEO Colin Stocker released a statement to The Mirror noting that the suspension was a direct result of the serious charges announced last week. Stocker emphasized that the hospital cannot comment further while the investigation continues.
The allegations, which were first made public in September 2023 through an investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches, have sparked a wider public and legal inquiry. Brand, in a follow-up video, claimed that the charges were a misuse of power, accusing the UK legal system of weaponizing the case against him.
Brand is set to appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2, 2025. Authorities have called for any further victims or witnesses to come forward.