Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Russell Brand

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Russell Brand.

Russell Brand is a British comedian, actor, podcaster, and media personality known for his stand-up comedy, film roles, and broadcasting career. He gained recognition as a comedian and MTV presenter before hosting "Big Brother's Big Mouth." Brand transitioned into film, starring in comedies like "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "Get Him to the Greek." He's released stand-up specials such as "Messiah Complex" and hosts podcasts like "Stay Free" and "Under the Skin." Brand has received British Comedy Awards and a BAFTA nomination, solidifying his presence in entertainment and media.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1999: Start of Alleged Offences in Westminster and Bournemouth

The charges brought against Russell Brand in April 2025 related to alleged offences against four women, with the incidents alleged to have occurred in Westminster and Bournemouth between 1999 and 2005.

2003: Allegation of Sexual Assault in Soho, London

On 17 September 2023, the Metropolitan Police received an allegation of sexual assault against Russell Brand said to have taken place in Soho, London, in 2003. This alleged incident predates the period of alleged incidents covered in The Sunday Times and Channel 4 investigations.

2005: End of Alleged Offences in Westminster and Bournemouth

2006: First Complaints of misconduct

From 2006 Russell Brand received five complaints while he was a BBC radio host and presenter

2006: Dannii Minogue's Harassment Allegations

In 2006, Dannii Minogue accused Russell Brand of sexual harassment after she appeared on his TV show, describing him as a "vile predator" and stating he "wouldn't take no for an answer".

2006: Vanessa Feltz clip from Brand's TV show released

In 2006, television presenter Vanessa Feltz released a clip of her appearance on Russell Brand's TV show where he asked if he could "have it off" with her or her daughters, which left her "deeply offended".

2006: Start of Offenses Investigation

In November 2024, detectives investigated allegations of offences that started in 2006 and continued until 2013.

2006: Timeframe of Allegations

The investigation into Russell Brand covered sexual misconduct allegations from 2006.

2007: Alleged Assault on Jordan Martin

In 2007, Jordan Martin reported that Brand had committed sexual assault and physical and emotional abuse.

2007: Lorraine Kelly felt uncomfortable during appearance on The Graham Norton Show

In 2007, Lorraine Kelly said she felt uncomfortable during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show after Brand touched her thigh and called her a "slut".

2007: Inappropriate Exchange with Jimmy Savile

In 2007, on his BBC Radio 2 comedy show, Russell Brand engaged in an inappropriate exchange with Jimmy Savile, which involved joking about Brand's personal assistant and Savile's preference for her to wear nothing. This exchange was later featured in the 2023 Channel 4 Dispatches documentary.

2008: Alleged Exposure at BBC's Los Angeles Office

In 2008, Russell Brand allegedly exposed himself to a woman at the BBC's Los Angeles office, and then laughed about it minutes later on his BBC Radio 2 show. This incident was reported on 21 September 2023.

2008: Complaints of misconduct

To 2008 Brand received five complaints while he was a BBC radio host and presenter, over both sexual misconduct and unprofessional workplace behaviour.

September 2010: Brand Arrested on Suspected Battery Charges

On 16 September 2010, Russell Brand was arrested on suspected battery charges after he allegedly attacked a paparazzo who blocked his and then-fiancée Katy Perry's way to catch a flight at Los Angeles International Airport.

2010: Alleged Assault During Production of Arthur

In 2010, during the production of the comedy film Arthur (2011), Russell Brand allegedly exposed himself, trapped, and assaulted a woman in a bathroom. A lawsuit was filed against him and Warner Bros. in November 2023.

2011: Release of Comedy Film Arthur

In 2011, the comedy film Arthur was released. During the production in 2010, Russell Brand allegedly exposed himself, trapped, and assaulted a woman in a bathroom. A lawsuit was filed against him and Warner Bros. in November 2023.

March 2012: Arrest Warrant Issued for Brand in New Orleans

On 15 March 2012, an arrest warrant was issued for Russell Brand in New Orleans because of allegations that he had thrown a photographer's mobile phone through a window. Brand was filming a movie in New Orleans at the time of the incident.

September 2013: GQ Awards Ejection

In September 2013, Russell Brand was ejected from the GQ Awards after making controversial remarks during his acceptance speech for the "Oracle" award. He referenced sponsor Hugo Boss's historical association with the Nazis and made light of their appearance before being removed for his "offensive" remarks.

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October 2013: Newsnight Interview

In October 2013, Russell Brand was interviewed by Jeremy Paxman on BBC's Newsnight. During the interview, Brand criticized the British political system, discouraged voting, and discussed his idea of revolution.

November 2013: The Sun Prints Story Alleging Unfaithfulness

In November 2013, The Sun printed a story alleging that Russell Brand had been unfaithful to Jemima Khan, leading to libel damages being awarded to Brand in May 2014.

2013: End of Offenses Investigation

In November 2024, detectives investigated allegations of offences that started in 2006 and continued until 2013.

2013: Timeframe of Allegations

The investigation into Russell Brand covered sexual misconduct allegations up to 2013.

May 2014: Brand Receives Libel Damages from The Sun

In May 2014, Russell Brand received libel damages from The Sun after the paper had printed a story in November 2013 alleging that he had been unfaithful to Jemima Khan. Brand said he would be donating the unspecified damages to the Hillsborough Justice Campaign.

October 2014: John Lydon Criticizes Brand's Views

In October 2014, around the time of his book release, John Lydon (Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols) criticized Russell Brand's advocacy of non-voting, calling it "the most idiotic thing I've ever heard".

October 2014: Vanity Fair Issue on Misogyny Allegations

In the October 2014 issue of Vanity Fair, Russell Brand addressed the allegations of misogyny made against him.

November 2014: YouGov Poll Results

In November 2014, a YouGov poll indicated that Russell Brand was perceived as having the most negative influence on political debate among a selection of celebrities. The poll revealed that 60% of participants disliked him, while 28% liked him.

December 2014: New Era Housing Estate Protest

On 2 December 2014, Russell Brand joined East London residents in a protest against rent increases at the New Era housing estate. During the protest, a Channel 4 News reporter questioned Brand about his own property value, leading to Brand calling the reporter "snide," and the clip went viral.

2014: Martin Reveals Alleged Abuse

In 2014, former girlfriend Jordan Martin accused Russell Brand of sexual assault and physical and emotional abuse during their relationship in 2007, including an alleged assault at the Lowry Hotel in Salford.

January 2015: Channel 4's Big Fat Anniversary Quiz

In January 2015, during Channel 4's 'Big Fat Anniversary Quiz', Russell Brand insulted politician Ed Balls, who then called Brand a "pound shop Ben Elton".

2018: Katherine Ryan's Remarks

In 2018, while filming a programme with Brand, Katherine Ryan reportedly made remarks to Brand, indicating he was a "sexual predator"; these remarks were not broadcast.

2019: Investigation Begins

In early 2019, The Sunday Times began inquiries after being made aware of allegations of sexual misconduct made against Russell Brand.

2020: Allegation Made in 2020

In 2020, an allegation was made against Russell Brand, which he vehemently denied at the time; however, his agent, Tavistock Wood, later stated they felt horribly misled.

September 2021: COVID-19 Safety Measures Bypass

In September 2021, Russell Brand told people attending his tour how they could bypass COVID-19 safety measures.

September 2022: Move to Rumble

In September 2022, after YouTube removed one of his videos due to its policy on medical misinformation, Russell Brand moved his channel to Rumble, launching a new daily live show, 'Stay Free with Russell Brand'.

November 2022: Ryan's Comments on Louis Theroux Interviews

In November 2022, Katherine Ryan reiterated her comments on Louis Theroux Interviews, stating that she had informed Russell Brand to his face that he was a predator and that she and many others believed he was a perpetrator of sexual assault, though she did not name him due to potential legal repercussions.

2022: Channel 4's Dispatches Begins Investigation

In 2022, Channel 4's Dispatches began working with The Sunday Times and The Times to investigate the allegations.

2022: WHO Meetings on Pandemic Treaty

In 2022, Russell Brand reacted to the World Health Organization's meetings on the pandemic treaty, saying "Your democracy is fucking finished" and that the world had "lapsed into a terrible technocratic, globalist agenda".

March 2023: Political Shift and Criticism

In March 2023, Finn McRedmond of The New Statesman described Russell Brand as having melded his "trad-socialist values" with "all the suspicions and anxieties of the new American right".

September 2023: Russell Brand Performs at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre and Tour Postponement

On 16 September 2023, Russell Brand performed at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, expressing gratitude for support but acknowledging his inability to discuss certain issues. Subsequently, on 18 September 2023, the remaining tour dates were postponed, and Brand was dropped by his agent, Tavistock Wood, due to accusations of being misled.

September 2023: Allegations Published

On 16 September 2023, allegations were published from four women anonymously, accusing Brand of sexual assaults, and emotional abuse between 2006 and 2013, following the joint investigation.

September 2023: Woman Accuses Brand of Exposure at BBC's Los Angeles Office

On 21 September 2023, a woman accused Russell Brand of exposing himself to her at the BBC's Los Angeles office in 2008, and then laughing about it minutes later on his BBC Radio 2 show.

November 2023: Lawsuit Filed Against Brand Under New York's Adult Survivors Act

In November 2023, a woman accused Russell Brand of exposing himself and later trapping and assaulting her in a bathroom during the production in 2010 of the comedy film Arthur (2011). On 3 November 2023, the lawsuit was filed against Brand under New York's Adult Survivors Act, with Warner Bros. and others involved in Arthur's production also named as defendants.

November 2023: Brand Questioned by Police in Connection with Alleged Sexual Assaults

On 19 November 2023, Russell Brand was questioned by police in connection with alleged sexual assaults.

2023: Savile Exchange Featured in Documentary

In 2023, The exchange between Brand and Savile in 2007 was featured in the Channel 4 Dispatches documentary Russell Brand: In Plain Sight.

November 2024: Detectives send evidence to Crown Prosecution Service

In November 2024, detectives investigating allegations of offences between 2006 and 2013 sent the Crown Prosecution Service a file of evidence so the prosecutors could consider bringing charges against him.

February 2025: Brand Sued for Sexual Abuse at the High Court of Justice in London

On 6 February 2025, Russell Brand was sued for sexual abuse at the High Court of Justice in London.

April 2025: Brand Charged with Multiple Sexual Offences

On 4 April 2025, Russell Brand was charged by Metropolitan Police with one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape and two counts of sexual assault. The charges related to alleged offences against four women, with the incidents alleged to have occurred in Westminster and Bournemouth between 1999 and 2005.

April 2025: News Outlets Report Brand Subject to Civil Action Case in New York

On 7 April 2025, news outlets reported Russell Brand to be the subject (among others) of a previously mentioned civil action case filed in New York state, accusing him of sexual assault whilst intoxicated, whilst filming Arthur. The plaintiff alleged Brand "exposed his genitalia to her and followed her to a bathroom while intoxicated on set and assaulted her".

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October 2025: Deadline Extended for Brand's Deposition in US Lawsuit

While a delay request by Russell Brand's legal team was rejected, the deadline to submit his deposition for the US lawsuit has been extended to 30 October 2025.