Russell Brand no longer lives in the United Kingdom, the actor and comedian revealed this week, citing attacks from the British media and government following several sexual assault allegations.
“I don’t live in the United Kingdom any more because I personally have experienced how the media, government and judiciary — if you suddenly become an inconvenience — will find ways to attack and shut you down,” Brand said on the social media account Rumble, reported by the Sunday Times of London.
The Times report this weekend alleged that Brand moved his family to Florida just before the U.S. presidential election last year; around the same time, the Metropolitan Police confirmed in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter that their file, which included allegations of sexual assault against the former comedian, had been passed on to prosecutors. It is unclear how the move may affect this legal process.
Multiple reports — including those from the Sunday Times and Times — have published allegations against Brand in recent months, including one woman’s claim of rape, several others of emotional abuse and another who says she was 16 at the time of her assault.
Several of the women who have come forward allege the abuse happened while Brand worked as a presenter for BBC Radio 2 and Channel 4, and an internal report published this week revealed the broadcaster looked into eight complaints against him, two of which occurred while he was employed there from 2006 to 2008.
“There should have been better systems in place to ensure that Russell Brand’s unacceptable behavior was promptly picked up and addressed and that all of those involved felt able to raise any concerns,” the BBC report said.
Brand has denied all allegations against him, maintaining all of his relationships have always been consensual.
Despite his British origins, the actor has become a prominent figure for American Trump supporters and was spotted at the president’s inauguration last month. He also interviewed Donald Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., in June 2024 and later this month is set to receive a Global Defender of Freedom Award at the Celebrate American Exceptionalism Gala, held at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
English (US) ·