The new charges come on top of five previous counts Brand pleaded not guilty to in May, which include two counts of rape, one count of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault. Brand is due to stand trial for those original charges at Southwark Crown Court starting 16 June next year, reports The Guardian. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on January 20 in relation to the two new charges.
The Metropolitan Police said the investigation remains ongoing. Detective Chief Tariq Farooqi, who is leading the inquiry, said: “The women who have made reports, including those connected to the two new charges, continue to receive support from specially trained officers. The Met’s investigation remains ongoing, and detectives urge anyone affected by this case, or anyone with information, to come forward and speak with police.”
Allegations first surfaced as part of an investigation by Channel 4’s Dispatches and the Sunday Times. Multiple women reported encounters with Brand between 1999 and 2005, part of an alleged pattern of predatory behaviour. Brand has denied all allegations, including claims of rape in Bournemouth in 1999, indecent assault in 2001, and multiple sexual assaults in Westminster between 2004 and 2005.
Earlier this year, the BBC apologized after an internal review showed that staff had raised concerns about Brand’s conduct while hosting Radio 2 and 6 Music shows between 2006 and 2008. Complaints included urinating in cups or bottles in the studio, throwing objects, sexual activity on premises, and exposure in front of staff and guests. Channel 4 and production company Banijay also investigated his behavior while employed by them, with Banijay concluding that concerns had not been properly escalated, while Channel 4 found no evidence anyone had known about the accusations.
Speaking after his initial charges, Brand said, “What I never was, was a rapist. I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity. I’m now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court and I’m incredibly grateful for that.”
