Russell Brand Accused of Sexual Assault, Denies Allegations

British actor, comedian, and commentator Russell Brand is facing sexual assault allegations, which he denies.

The Details: A joint investigation which British publications The Times (Center bias) and Channel 4 Dispatches claim began in 2019 alleges Brand sexually assaulted four different women between 2006 and 2013 when he worked as a presenter for BBC Radio 2 and Channel 4. Brand, who has recently become known for his political commentary through his podcast, Stay Free with Russell Brand, denied the allegations.

For Context: Brand was notably married to pop star Katy Perry from 2010 to 2011, and says he’s previously opened up about his substance and sex addictions in his books. Recent guests on Brand’s Stay Free podcast include Candace Owens (Right bias), Briahna Joy Gray (Left bias), Bari Weiss (Center bias), Glenn Greenwald (Center bias), and Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.

Key Quote: A few hours before the investigation was published, Brand released a video statement, in which he denied the claims. Brand said he was “very, very promiscuous” in his past, but relationships “were absolutely always consensual.” He added that he feels “like there’s a serious and concerted agenda” behind the allegations.

How the Media Covered It: The story was widely covered across the spectrum, particularly by British outlets. The Telegraph UK (Lean Right bias) described Brand’s statement as “posted on a channel where he has made a number of anti-vaccination claims.” British outlets more often framed headlines around the accusations, while American outlets more often framed them around Brand’s denial.