Russell Brand makes first comments since sexual assault allegations

Russell Brand says it has been an "extraordinary and distressing" week after rape and sexual assault allegations were made against him.

In a video published on social media, he thanked followers for their support and for "questioning the information that you've been presented with".

They are his first public comments since allegations were published by the Sunday Times and Channel 4's Dispatches last weekend.

Brand has denied the claims.

In a joint investigation by the Sunday Times, the Times and Channel 4's Dispatches, four women accused Brand of sexual assaults and rape between 2006 and 2013.