Comedian-actor Russell Brand accused of sexual assault on set of Arthur film in 2010
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British comedian-actor Russell Brand played the titular playboy in the 2011 film Arthur. An unnamed actress has accused him of sexually assaulting her during the filming of the movie in 2010, according to court documents revealed on Friday.
PHOTO: WARNER BROS
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NEW YORK - British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been accused by an unnamed actress of sexually assaulting her during the filming of the romantic comedy movie Arthur (2011) in 2010 in New York, according to court documents revealed on Friday.
The complaint filed before the New York State Supreme Court follows accusations by several women, and investigations in September and October by media and police in Britain, for rape, sexual assault and psychological violence.
Brand has rejected the previous allegations,
The New York complaint was filed by an anonymous “Jane Doe” and alleges that on July 7, 2010, “I was working on the set of the movie Arthur when the lead actor Russell Brand sexually assaulted me”.
She said that he had appeared intoxicated, “smelled of alcohol, and was carrying a bottle of vodka on set”.
“He then exposed his penis to me on set and in full view of the cast and crew,” she said.
The complaint alleged that later the same day, Brand followed the actress into a bathroom “and assaulted me, as a member of the production crew guarded the door from outside”.
The complaint also targets Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Discovery, MBST Entertainment, BenderSpink and Langley Park Pictures.
The 2011 film Arthur stars Greta Gerwig (left) and Russell Brand.
PHOTO: WARNER BROS
A remake of the 1981 film of the same name, Arthur revolves around the titular irresponsible playboy (Brand) who must choose between an arranged marriage in order to keep his wealth or a modest life with the only woman (Greta Gerwig) he has ever loved. The film also starred Helen Mirren and Jennifer Garner.
The unnamed actress said that as a result of the assault, “I suffered and continue to suffer extreme embarrassment, shame and fear”.
She said that she had been booked for three days of work on the set, but that after the assault on the first day, she was not called back “and was only paid for one day of work”.
“I still maintain my career as an actor, and I am terrified of being blacklisted in the industry,” she added.
She said she also feared retaliation from Brand’s millions of fans, followers and subscribers to his social networks, in which the 48-year-old has become an anti-establishment celebrity in recent years. AFP
