Russell Brand questioned by London police over alleged sex offences

Actor and comedian Russell Brand has been quizzed by London detectives over allegations of historical sex offences.

Comedian Russell Brand has been questioned by detectives from the Metropolitan Police over alleged historical sex offences and his treatment of women.

Scotland Yard said a comedian and actor in his forties attended a police station in South London and was questioned in relation to three “non-recent” sexual offences.

The Met had urged potential victims to come forward after allegations of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse against the 48 year old were unearthed in an investigation by The Times, The Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches.

Russell Brand has been questioned by police over multiple sexual offence allegations. Picture: AFP

In September, the Greater London police force said it was investigating multiple sexual offence allegations after potential victims from London and further had contacted officers.

The BBC confirmed last week it was investigating five complaints about the performer’s behaviour when he was at the height of his popularity as a radio presenter.

The British Times newspaper reported four women alleged Brand had sexually assaulted them between 2006 and 2013, when he was a BBC and Channel 4 presenter and then a Hollywood actor.

After the claims were published on September 16, a woman contacted the Met to allege she had been sexually assaulted in central London in 2003.

The BBC confirmed last week it was investigating five complaints about Brand’s behaviour. Picture: Getty Images

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is heading the inquiry, later said: “We continue to encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a sexual offence, no matter how long ago it was, to contact us.”

“We understand it can feel like a difficult step to take, and I want to reassure that we have a team of specialist officers available to advise and support.”

Brand has vociferously denied the allegations and maintains his relationships had all been consensual.

Brand broadcast a statement on his YouTube channel saying that “amid this litany of astonishing, rather baroque attacks are some very serious allegations that I absolutely refute”.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “A man in his forties attended a police station in south London on Thursday, 16 November 2023.

“He was interviewed under caution by detectives in relation to three non-recent sexual offences. Enquiries continue.”

Originally published as Russell Brand questioned by London police over alleged sex offences