Yahoo News Russell Brand: Key developments after rape and sexual assault allegations
The comedian has been accused of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse against four women over a seven-year period
What's happening? Russell Brand has been accused of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse against four women over a seven-year period.
The women, including one who was just 16 at the time, have alleged sexual assaults that occurred between 2006 and 2013, when Brand was working for BBC Radio 2 and Channel 4, as well as starring in Hollywood films.
The comedian and actor also faces allegations of controlling, abusive and predatory behaviour, following a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4 Dispatches.
Brand has denied the allegations and in a video posted online, stated all of his relationships have been "consensual", before accusing the media of a "co-ordinated attack".
Channel 4 Dispatches aired a 90-minute film titled Russell Brand: In Plain Sight on Saturday evening, which saw four unidentified women detail their allegations, and other women speak of their experiences working with Brand on TV sets.
Channel 4 said in the years since the alleged incidents took place there has been "extensive change" at the broadcaster and that it now has a "zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour and has a robust code of conduct".
A BBC spokesperson said: "We will always listen to people if they come forward with any concerns, on any issue related to any individual working at the BBC, past or present."
Read more: Russell Brand denies 'serious criminal allegations' related to his 'promiscuous' past (The Independent)
Yahoo News UK rounds up the key responses after the accusations against Brand emerged.
Police urge 'victims' to come forward as comedian denies allegations of rape
Responding to the Brand allegations, the Met Police has encouraged any potential victims of sexual assault to come forward.
A spokesperson for the force said: "We are aware of media reporting of a series of allegations of sexual assault.
"At this time, we have not received any reports in relation to this. If anyone believes they have been the victim of a sexual assault, no matter how long ago it happened, we would encourage them to contact police."
Read more: Police urge 'victims' to come forward as comedian denies allegations of rape (The Independent)
Women's charity drops Brand after Dispatches documentary airs
Charity Trev, which is working to end violence against women, has ended its association with Brand following the accusations.
In a statement released on Instagram, it said: "Today's media revelations have been difficult to process but our priority remains and continues to be the safety and wellbeing of all women and girls now and in the future.
"We have ended our association with Russell Brand and the Stay Free Foundation."
Media bosses face questions over 'open secret' of Brand's behaviour
Dame Caroline Dinenage, the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee chair, said that MPs would be "closely monitoring" the response to the allegations against Brand.
"The Sunday Times has reported some very serious and concerning allegations against Russell Brand. In yet another story of alleged power exploitation within the TV industry, his behaviour has been characterised as an 'open secret' by those in his orbit,” she said.
"The Culture, Media and Sport Committee are keen to understand the response of the police to the body of evidence collected. We will be closely monitoring the responses of the media, especially our public service broadcasters, to these allegations, and looking at the questions that this, yet again, raises about the culture in the industry as a whole."
Comedian Daniel Sloss claims female comics set up 'WhatsApp groups about Brand'
Comedian Daniel Sloss has said he first heard rumours about Brand's behaviour more than 10 years ago.
He claimed female comedians safeguarded themselves by setting up online groups to warn others about comedians they'd had unpleasant experiences with.
Sloss told The Times as part of the investigations: "I know for many, many years that women have been warning each other about Russell."
Comedian Daniel Sloss claims female comedians set up 'WhatsApp groups about Russell Brand' (The Mirror)
'I love you, I appreciate you': Brand addresses sexual assault allegations onstage
Brand's show, titled Bipolarisation, had been due to begin at 7pm at Wembley Park Theatre on Saturday, but was delayed by more than 45 minutes and lasted around an hour.
While not directly addressing the allegations, he said he hoped the audience at the north-west London venue could "appreciate" there were things he could not talk about during the set.
"There are a lot of things I want to talk about, that I can't talk about. I'm sure you'll understand," he said.
"I love you all already."
'I love you, I appreciate you': Russell Brand addresses sexual assault allegations onstage (The Telegraph)
Elon Musk and Andrew Tate offer support to Russell Brand amid 'serious criminal allegations'
Billionaire X owner Elon Musk has offered his support to Brand by sending a message on the platform commenting on the comedian's video defending himself.
He wrote: "Of course. They don't like competition."
Influencer Andrew Tate, who has been charged with rape and human trafficking, also showed his support to Brand, adding: "Welcome to the club @rustyrockets".
Read more: Elon Musk and Andrew Tate offer support to Russell Brand amid 'serious criminal allegations' (The Telegraph)
