Russell Brandis out on bail after a court appearance related tonew rape and sexual assault chargesagainst the comedian.
A Westminster Magistrates' Court judge in London granted Brand's request for release during a procedural hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 20, after the British actor appeared from Florida via video link. Brand wascharged with two counts– one of rape and one of sexual assault – following claims by two women, the Metropolitan Police announced in December. Brand's next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 17.
Brand, 50, is accused of raping one woman and sexually assaulting a second in 2009. The charges come after five others in April, where he was charged with two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault connected to claims dating back to 1999. Brand, who has continued to deny the allegations, pleaded not guilty last May and is set to go to trial for that case in June.
Russell Brand charged with rape,sexual assault of 2 more women
The "Get Him to the Greek" actor andconservative commentatorseemed to address the latest allegations in a DecemberInstagramvideo. He told followers that "this is a time of great darkness" and called out people who use "bureaucracy increasingly to legitimize authority."
"I feel so blessed that I have the opportunity to atone for the many things over the years that I did wrong, and the opportunity to ensure that people understand the truth of my situation and scenario," he said. "I pray, Lord, that anyone that I've ever harmed or hurt in my years of mindlessness in sin would be healed. And I pray, Lord, for the absolute truth of who I am to be abundantly revealed."
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support to survivors and their loved ones in English and Spanish at: 800.656.HOPE (4673) andHotline.RAINN.organd en EspañolRAINN.org/es.
Contributing: Reuters; Edward Segarra, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Russell Brand out on bail after new rape, sexual assault charges
