Russell Brand makes first public appearance after allegations of sexual assault and emotional abuse

Russell Brand appeared on stage Saturday for the first time since he has been accused of rape, sexual assault and abuse by several women.

The 48-year-old comedian, actor and social influencer performed at a sold-out stand-up show at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theater in north-west London as part of his Bipolarization tour.

After arriving late due to traffic, Brand thanked his fans for coming and said there were certain topics he couldn’t discuss, alluding to the allegations, BBC News reported.

“I really appreciate your support, I love you and I want to put on a fantastic show for you,” he told a crowd of 2,000. “I have a lot to tell you. There are obviously some things I absolutely cannot talk about, and I appreciate your understanding.”

His appearance comes hours after three British news agencies reported that Brand had been accused of rape, sexual assault and abuse based on allegations from four women who had known him for more than seven years, at the height of his fame.

The Sunday Times, The Times of London and Channel 4’s “Dispatches” said one woman claimed she was raped and three others accused him of sexual assault. One of the women also said he had been physically and emotionally abusive.

Before the stories were published, Brand denied the allegations and said all of his relationships were consensual.

“Amid this litany of astonishing, rather baroque attacks, are some very serious allegations that I refute,” Brand said in a statement. “These allegations relate to the time when I was working in the mainstream, when I was in newspapers and in movies all the time, and, as I have written extensively in my books, I was very, very promiscuous .”

“Now, during this period of promiscuity, the relationships I had were absolutely, always consensual,” he added. “I was always transparent about it then, almost too transparent, and I am now as well.”

Brand also suggested that these reports were part of a coordinated attack to discredit him because of his views. Brand has been criticized for expressing skepticism about COVID-19 vaccines and interviewing controversial podcasters like Joe Rogan.

On Sunday, the BBC, Channel 4 and a production company announced they would investigate the allegations which took place during Brand’s time as a presenter on BBC Radio’s 6 Music and Radio 2, and as a host of programs on Channel 4.

The BBC said it was “urgently investigating the issues raised”, and Channel 4 announced an internal investigation.

Although none of the alleged assaults took place on BBC or Channel 4 premises, numerous allegations have been made regarding Brand’s behavior in the workplace, the BBC reported.

London’s Metropolitan Police said on Sunday it was aware of reports of a series of sexual assault allegations, but had not directly received any reports regarding the allegations.

“If anyone thinks they have been the victim of a sexual assault, no matter how long ago it happened, we encourage them to contact the police,” said Metropolitan Police communications manager Callum Jones. adding that the department was in contact with the Sunday Times. and Channel 4.

Also on Sunday, talent agency Tavistock Wood announced it had ended all ties with Brand.

“Russell Brand categorically and vehemently denied the allegations made in 2020, but we now believe we were horribly misled by him,” the agency said in a statement.

Brand rose to fame as a stand-up comic in Britain in the early 2000s, landing starring roles on Channel 4 and BBC Radio, where he capitalized on his reputation for outrageous behavior and risky jokes.

He then made the jump to Hollywood, appearing in films such as “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” in 2008 and the remake of “Arthur” in 2011. Brand was married to pop star Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012.