Russell Brand hits out and shares new Rumble stream as cops probe number of sex assault claims across UK
RUSSELL Brand has asked “are we being silenced?” as police probe allegations of sexual assault.
The comedian, 48, started a live-stream on his Rumble page minutes after cops confirmed they are investigating “a number of allegations of sexual offences”.
In a tweet, he said: “Are we being silenced? The battle for free speech – streaming now on @rumblevideo.”
Subscribers pay a minimum £50 a year to subscribe to Rumble and creators can earn more cash from donations.
During the stream, Brand continuously begged his followers for donations, with hundreds commenting on the broadcast.
His live show comes as officers have made it clear all of the alleged offences are not recent.
A police spokesperson said: “Following an investigation by Channel 4’s Dispatches and The Sunday Times, the Met has received a number of allegations of sexual offences in London.
“We have also received a number of allegations of sexual offences committed elsewhere in the country and will investigate these.
“The offences are all non-recent. Officers will be offering specialist support to all of the women who have made allegations.
“Detectives have launched an investigation into allegations of sexual offences.”
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy added: “We continue to encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a sexual offence, no matter how long ago it was, to contact us.
“We understand it can feel like a difficult step to take and I want to reassure that we have a team of specialist officers available to advise and support.”
Brand has been accused of rape, sexual assault and abuse by four women including, one of whom was aged 16 at the time.
Allegations made in a joint investigation by The Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches include that he raped a woman against a wall at his Los Angeles flat.
The four women say he attacked them between 2006 and 2013 at the height of his fame, when presenting shows for BBC Radio 2 and Channel 4 and starring in Hollywood movies.
The accusations include not only rape and sexual assault but also emotional and physical abuse.
Brand has vigorously denied allegations made against him.