Russell Brand faces new rape, assault charges

Russell Brand, 50, the ex-husband of US singer Katy Perry, has been summoned to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Jan 20 to face the two new charges. Photo: Reuters

UK police said two new charges, of rape and sexual assault, had been issued on Tuesday against British comedian and actor Russell Brand.

The media personality turned anti-establishment influencer already pleaded not guilty in May to five charges -- one count of rape, one of oral rape, two of sexual assault and one of indecent assault between 1999 and 2005.