(RustyRockets/X)
British-born comic and actor Russell Brand has opened up about rape and sexual assault charges filed against him Friday, denying the allegations while also tearing into the British government for “weaponizing” the law.
In a social media video titled “My response,” Brand appears from what looks like a tropical location while wearing a sun hat, showing appreciation to his fans and supporters.
“Hello! Firstly, thank you for these incredible and overwhelming messages of support,” he said in the clip, posted several hours after The Forgetting Sarah Marshall star was slapped with two counts of rape, two of sexual assault, and one of indecent assault by Metropolitan Police.
He then blasted the British government.
“We’re very fortunate in a way to live in a time when there is so little trust in the British government. We’re very fortunate, I suppose, that this is happening at a time when we know that the law has become a kind of weapon to be used against people, institutions and sometimes entire nations that will not
“How do you feel about your legal system right now? How do you feel about some of the high-profile cases that are not being pursued and prosecuted? How do you feel that the Southport murders were handled? How do you feel about the government of Keir Starmer?”
He then did a heel-turn back to the charges against him, explaining his sordid past while strongly denying the allegations brought by four unnamed accusers that reportedly date back over 20 years.
“I’ve always told you guys, that when I was young and single before I had my wife and family… I was a fool, man. I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord. I was a drug addict, a sex addict, and an imbecile. But what I never was was a rapist. I’ve never engaged in nonconsensual activity. I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes.”
He concluded by saying: “I now have the opportunity to defend these charges in court. And I’m incredibly grateful for that. In the meantime, you lot, stay free. And we will be continuing to discuss this matter. Praise the Lord.”
Brand, 50, was a comedy staple in the UK before exploding on the US scene as Aldous Snow in Forgetting Sarah Marshall in 2008. He later reprised the role in 2010’s
The author and podcaster, who has been open about his past struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, was briefly married to American pop star Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012.