Russell Brand allegations – latest: Comedian denies ‘criminal’ claims ahead of Dispatches investigation

Comedian Russell Brand has vehemently denied “very serious criminal allegations” ahead of an expected expose to be aired by Channel 4’s Dispatches programme tonight.

In a video posted to social media, the 48-year-old actor said he had received “two extremely disturbing letters” listing “extremely egregious and aggressive attacks” relating to his “promiscuous” past.

While he did not specify details of the claims, he insisted his relationships had been “absolutely always consensual” and that he had been “transparent” about his promiscuity.

The two-minute and 45-second long video clip, which was shared on his YouTube and various social media profiles, accused the outlets of having a “serious and concerted agenda” to silence him.

The allegations are said to relate to a period of his career when he was working within the mainstream media.

Since ending his career as a presenter and stand-up comedian, Brand has launched a podcast and currently runs a yoga and mental health-orientated YouTube channel named Awakening with Russell.

Russell Brand denies ‘very serious criminal allegations’

14:59 , Holly Evans

Russell Brand has shared a video on his YouTube channel denying some “very serious allegations” made against him, which are set to be shared in a documentary on Saturday and published in a newspaper.

The comedian and actor said he “absolutely refutes” the allegations against him, which he did not reveal in detail but referred to as “very, very serious criminal allegations”.

Brand, 48, said the allegations “pertain to the time when I was working in the mainstream, when... I was very, very promiscuous.”

Russell Brand denies ‘very serious criminal allegations’ regarding ‘promiscuous’ past

Russell Brand: A career in comedy defined by darkness and delusions

15:10 , Holly Evans

Scandal-ridden comedian. Hollywood husband. Drug addict-turned-wellness-guru. Left-wing activist. Conspiracy theorist. Over the course of two decades in the spotlight, the British stand-up and presenter Russell Brand has put forward many different personas to the public.

Now, another, darker side to the comic has emerged, after he released a video to deny unspecified “serious criminal allegations”, which he said related to his “promiscuous” past.

The 48-year-old comedian and actor said he “absolutely refutes” the claims and suggested two “mainstream media outlets” were making a “coordinated” attack against him. His denial comes ahead of an expected Dispatches investigation scheduled to air on Channel 4 at 9pm on Saturday night.

Read more from Katie Rosseinsky here

Russell Brand: A career in comedy defined by darkness and delusions

Full video: Watch Russell Brand’s denial ahead of TV investigation

15:12 , Holly Evans

Comedian Russell Brand’s released a video to social media denying “criminal allegations” that are due to be published this evening by two mainstream media outlets.

Brand backed by Elon Musk and Andrew Tate as he denies ‘serious criminal allegations’

15:30 , Holly Evans

Elon Musk was quick to respond to Russell Brand’s video on Friday, in which the British comedian strenuously denied some “very serious allegations” made against him.

The allegations, which have not yet been revealed, are set to be explored in a documentary on Saturday and published in a newspaper.

Brand shared the three-minute video on his YouTube channel and X (formerly Twitter), the social media company owned by Musk.

Read more about Musk’s response here

Russell Brand backed by Elon Musk and Andrew Tate after video statement