Russell Brand is now the subject of two new rape complaints, authorities have confirmed. This development comes after the disgraced comedian was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault by a jury at Southwark Crown Court. The verdict followed a three-week trial.

The fresh allegations mean the investigation into Brand's alleged misconduct continues beyond his recent conviction. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation, indicated that more victims might be encouraged to come forward following the guilty verdicts. He expressed hope that these outcomes would provide courage and confidence to others who may have suffered.

During the trial, Brand was acquitted of two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault. Described in court as "ruthless and a sexual predator," the 51-year-old was once a prominent figure in UK entertainment. Some of the women who accused him reported being haunted for years by his actions.

Officers involved in the three-year Metropolitan Police inquiry, codenamed Operation Actinolite, highlighted the challenges they faced in bringing Brand to justice. These included his high profile, intense media scrutiny, and the non-recent nature of many allegations, with the earliest dating back 27 years. This lack of recent evidence meant investigators had to rely on alternative methods to build their case.

Initial allegations concerning Brand's behaviour surfaced in the media in September 2023. Reports from The Times, Sunday Times, and Channel 4's Dispatches programme detailed accusations of rape, sexual assault, and emotional abuse from four women, claims Brand consistently denied. The investigation into further reports began shortly after these initial stories broke.

Detective Superintendent Furphy noted that the police "assumed that people might want to come forward," and indeed, many did. Victim reports were received by police forces across the country, prompting the Met to establish a dedicated team to handle Operation Actinolite. The investigation has since gathered over 340 witness statements, including from Brand's former employers, colleagues, and associates.

One officer was specifically tasked with reviewing Brand's own work, including his books, stand-up routines, DVDs, and podcasts, to aid in constructing the case. The non-recent nature of the allegations presented significant hurdles, as it meant there was no available CCTV footage or forensic evidence to analyze.

Brand's former wife, US singer Katy Perry, who was married to him between 2010 and 2012, was not interviewed as part of the police investigation. The focus of the inquiry remained on gathering witness accounts and building a case based on testimony and corroborating evidence where possible.