Russell Brand accuser details rape claim from 2005

Mia Latter has publicly accused the jailed comedian Russell Brand of rape, alleging the incident took place in central London when she was 16 years old. Ms Latter, now 37, waived her right to anonymity to detail the claim in an interview with The Sunday Times. She alleges the rape occurred towards the end of a three-month relationship with Mr Brand, who was 30 at the time.

Ms Latter first met Mr Brand in Leicester Square when she was on her way home from shopping. She stated that he took her number and later messaged her, inviting her for dinner. According to Ms Latter, Mr Brand continued to ask her to meet after she had disclosed her age to him. She was referred to by the pseudonym Alice in a 2023 investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4 Dispatches, which detailed allegations from six women against Mr Brand. He denied those claims at the time.

Police investigation ongoing

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that an investigation into the alleged rape is active. A spokesperson for the force stated that officers launched the inquiry in January 2026 after receiving the allegation. Detectives sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) regarding how best to proceed. The CPS advised that further information was required before any charging decision could be made. The police acknowledged that the delay has been distressing for Ms Latter, stating their focus is on presenting the strongest possible evidence. The CPS confirmed it will continue to work with investigators to ensure cases progress swiftly.

Ms Latter told The Sunday Times that she was informed her case would not be included in a previous trial due to concerns it might become the focus, referring to her pseudonym. She expressed devastation at this decision. She has reportedly decided not to pursue the criminal process further at this time, wishing to concentrate on her campaign for a change in the law regarding the age of consent. Ms Latter is advocating for a staggered age of consent, which would make relationships between adults and 16 and 17-year-olds illegal. Under current UK law, individuals aged 16 and 17 can legally consent to sexual relationships with adults.

Russell Brand was convicted of attacks against four women who gave evidence during a trial at Southwark Crown Court. He is currently serving a 10-and-a-half-year prison sentence for one count of rape and three sexual assaults. He has reportedly been moved from Wandsworth prison to HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire.

Louise Haigh, the deputy prime minister, told The Sunday Times that Ms Latter's account warrants consideration for legislative change. She stated that lawmakers should place victims' experiences at the heart of their deliberations regarding potential changes to the age of consent.