New allegation following weekend's reports

A woman has told police Russell Brand assaulted her in Central London 20 years ago.

She came forward after several abuse claims involving the comedian were reported this weekend – all of which he has strongly denied.

None of the women who spoke to the Sunday Times and the makers of the Channel 4 Dispatches documentary had originally gone to the police with their allegations, which dated from between 2006 and 2013.

But after the reports aired, the Metropolitan Police urged anyone who believed they had been a victim of a sexual offence to come forward.

Today a spokesman told  news outlets: ‘We are aware of reporting by The Sunday Times and Channel 4's Dispatches about allegations of sexual offences.

‘On Sunday, 17 September, the Met received a report of a sexual assault which was alleged to have taken place in Soho in central London in 2003. Officers are in contact with the woman and will be providing her with support.

‘We first spoke with The Sunday Times on Saturday, 16 September and have since made further approaches to The Sunday Times and Channel 4 to ensure that anyone who believes they have been the victim of a sexual offence is aware of how to report this to the police.

‘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.

Brand posted his denials 24 hours before the allegations aired, saying he believed he was being hounded for challenging the narratives of the mainstream news media. Read his response here.

Published: 18 Sep 2023