UK Metropolitan Police investigates Russell Brand over sexual offense allegations

London’s Metropolitan Police have initiated an investigation into allegations of “non-recent” sexual offenses in the United Kingdom following a joint inquiry by British media outlets, which disclosed accusations of rape and sexual assault against comedian Russell Brand.

In a statement released on Monday, the police force stated, “Following an investigation by Channel 4’s Dispatches and The Sunday Times, the Met has received a number of allegations of sexual offenses in London. We have also received a number of allegations of sexual offences committed elsewhere in the country, and will investigate these. The offences are all non-recent.”

Russell Brand has publicly refuted the allegations and accused the UK government of attempting to silence him.

Detectives from the Met’s Central Specialist Crime Command, led by Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, will lead the investigation, according to the Met’s statement.

The statement also emphasized their commitment to encouraging anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a sexual offense, regardless of when it occurred, to come forward. It assured that a team of specialist officers is available to provide guidance and support to those seeking help.