Comedian Russell Brand Faces Allegations of Sexual Assault
Notorious comedian, Russell Brand, faces a series of sexual assault allegations that reportedly took place between 2006 and 2013 during the height of his career. Four women have come forward accusing the 48-year-old comedian. However, Brand firmly refutes these claims, stating in an online video that while he was indeed “promiscuous”, all his relationships of that time were “consensual”.
Alleged Victim "'Alice' Tells Her Story
One of the alleged victims, using the pseudonym "Alice" for her protection, claims that she was 16 and still in school when she was in a relationship with a then 30-year-old Brand. “It’s certainly had an impact on my relationships going forward… it was my first sexual experience, I felt used up, I felt cheap, I felt dirtied by the whole thing," Alice informed BBC Radio 4's Women’s Hour.
She alleges that the comedian groomed her during their three-month relationship, referred to her as "The Child", and sexually assaulted her. Alice also claimed that the impact of this matter caused her to miss a significant amount of school and she was unable to complete her A-levels.
Brand's Response and BBC Investigation
In response to the allegations, Brand released a video on YouTube implying a possible “coordinated attack” by the mainstream media. Unfazed, Alice responded, "He’s not outside the mainstream – he did a Universal Pictures movie last year, he did Minions, a children’s movie." She has accused Brand of creating a following that distrusts mainstream publications in anticipation of such allegations being made public.
Alice accused Brand of utilizing BBC cars for transporting her, even from her school to his house. Given this statement, the broadcaster is now “urgently looking” into the issues that were raised during Brand's time on BBC radio programmes from 2006 to 2008.
Other Women Have Come Forward
Another woman, referred to as "Nadia", has accused Brand of raping her at his home in Los Angeles in 2012. Brand continues to stand firm in denying all accusations.