Russell Brand Accused of Sexually Assaulting Extra on US Film Set – Russell Brand is facing legal action in a lawsuit that alleges sexual assault against a film extra during the filming of the 2011 romantic comedy Arthur in New York City. The lawsuit was filed on Friday, utilizing New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which allows accusers to bring legal claims for alleged non-recent sexual abuse,even if the statutes of limitations have expired.
This legal action comes in the wake of multiple allegations against the 48-year-old actor and comedian, as reported in the British media, by several women who have accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct spanning a seven-year period from 2006 to 2013. Brand has refuted allegations made by four women during an inquiry conducted by the Sunday Times, the Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches.
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He has asserted that his relationships were consistently consensual. British law enforcement has confirmed that they are in the process of investigating certain allegations. However, no arrests have been carried out. Regarding the recently filed lawsuit, there has been no immediate response from Brand’s representatives in both New York and London to requests for comment made by the Reuters news agency.
Warner Bros Pictures, the distributor of the film “Arthur,” has been named as a defendant in the case, along with other companies involved in the film’s production. They are facing accusations of negligence and aiding and abetting Brand by allegedly tolerating his misconduct on the film set. Warner Bros has not provided a response to a request for comment from the Reuters news agency.
The complaint was brought by a woman identified only as Jane Doe, who said she was hired to appear as a cast “extra” in a scene.The film was a remake of a 1981 movie starring Dudley Moore in the title role. The lawsuit alleges that Brand was visibly intoxicated during the production and exposed his genitalia to the plaintiff as he sat at a table staring at her, “openly and obviously in the presence of everyone on set”, including film studio employees who treated his behaviour as acceptable.
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The accuser claims that the assault resulted in severe psychological injuries and economic damages. The lawsuit is seeking unspecified financial compensation from Brand, citing charges of assault, battery, false imprisonment, and the infliction of emotional distress. Brand, a prominent figure in British comedy and broadcasting, has transitioned his public persona in recent years to become an internet social commentator.
He boasts a substantial following of over 6 million subscribers on his YouTube channel. In September, YouTube announced that it had suspended Brand from earning further revenue on the online video platform due to allegations of sexual misconduct.