Russell Brand Sued Over Alleged Sexual Abuse

Comedy star and Hollywood actor Russell Brand now faces legal action in a London courtroom as the first civil lawsuit emerges following multiple accusations of misconduct during his mainstream entertainment career.

The 49-year-old entertainer, who pivoted from showbusiness to online influencing in recent years, has been named in court documents filed at the High Court in London, according to The Standard. The lawsuit, categorized as “sexual abuse” and “personal injury,” was formally registered on Feb. 6 by an anonymous plaintiff identified only as AGX in legal paperwork.

This civil proceeding represents the first known lawsuit brought against Brand in the United Kingdom. The claimant has retained Remedy Law, a firm specializing in sexual abuse cases, though specific details regarding the allegations remain undisclosed at this stage of the legal process.

The civil action follows a joint investigative report published in 2023 by the Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches program, which contained allegations of rape, sexual assault, and emotional abuse against Brand between 2006 and 2013. This period coincided with the height of his success as a British television presenter and his emergence in Hollywood films.

Brand has consistently denied wrongdoing. In a video response to the initial media allegations, he characterized them as “egregious and aggressive attacks” while maintaining that his relationships during his self-described “promiscuous” phase were “absolutely, always consensual.” He suggested the accusations might reflect “another agenda at play.”

Beyond this civil lawsuit, Brand remains under criminal investigation by the Metropolitan Police. Law enforcement officials have forwarded investigative materials to the Crown Prosecution Service, which is currently determining whether sufficient evidence exists to pursue criminal charges, The Standard notes. Brand has undergone police questioning on three separate occasions regarding six alleged historic sexual offenses.

The controversy surrounding Brand prompted an internal review at the BBC, where he previously hosted programs on Radio 2 and Radio 6 Music. The broadcaster issued an apology in January after their investigation revealed numerous staff members “felt unable to raise” concerns about Brand’s conduct. The report documented allegations including indecent exposure in studio spaces, urinating into containers, throwing objects when angered, and reportedly engaging in sexual activity with a competition winner in a disabled toilet.

Peter Johnston, BBC director of editorial complaints and reviews, formally apologized on behalf of the organization. The investigation found employees believed “Russell Brand would always get his way” and consequently “stayed silent” about inappropriate behavior. Though eight complaints were identified during the review, only one was formally documented during Brand’s BBC employment.

Lesley Douglas, who served as controller during Brand’s BBC tenure and transferred him from 6 Music to Radio 2, has rejected claims that Brand influenced her decisions, describing their relationship as “professional and proper.” She ultimately resigned in 2008 following the “Sachsgate” scandal involving inappropriate on-air calls to actor Andrew Sachs.

In recent years, Brand has transformed his public persona, abandoning mainstream entertainment for online platforms where he frequently discusses conspiracy theories. He has embraced Christianity, undergoing baptism in the River Thames last year, and has expressed support for President Donald Trump.

The comedian is simultaneously involved in separate litigation with Macmillan Publishers regarding an alleged breach of contract. A planned self-help book titled Recovery was shelved in 2023 following the sexual abuse allegations.