The investigations relate to cases that are said to have taken place between 2006 and 2013.
After Russell Brand was accused of sexual abuse, rape and emotional abuse by several women, the London Metropolitan Police is now opening an investigation into the matter.
“We have also received and will investigate a number of allegations of sexual offenses committed in other parts of the country,” the police statement said. Until formal charges are filed, the names of people under police investigation will not be made public. Brand was not mentioned by name either.
The investigation follows the publication of a report by The Times, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 Dispatches in which four women accused the actor of sexually and emotionally abusing them between 2006 and 2013. Since then, two further allegations have been made against Brand to the London Met Police, these from 2003 and 2008 respectively. Russell Brand denies the allegations.
The investigation is being carried out by the Central Specialist Crime Commander led by Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy. “We continue to encourage anyone who believes they have been the victim of a sexual offense, regardless of how long ago it was, to contact us,” Furphy said in a statement. “We understand that this may be a difficult step and I would like to reassure everyone that we have a team of professionals to advise and support.”
Most recently, Brand returned to social media with an announcement that he would be moving his YouTube show to Rumble. YouTube demonetized his channel in the wake of the allegations. He did not directly address the allegations in his video clip.