Russell Brand is being charged with rape and sexual assault in the U.K. The Metropolitan Police confirmed in a release Friday that the comedian, 49, had been charged with rape, indecent assault, oral rape and two counts of sexual assault. A first court appearance is scheduled for May 2.

Russell Brand, comic turned commentator, is charged with multiple counts of rape and assault stemming from incidents alleged to have happened from 1999 to 2005.

British police charged actor-comedian Russell Brand with rape and multiple counts of assault over a number of allegations between 1999 and 2005, a police statement on Friday said.

British police on Friday charged Russell Brand with rape and sexual assault following an 18-month investigation sparked when four women alleged they had been assaulted by the controversial comedian. London’s Metropolitan Police force said Brand,

British prosecutors said that they had charged the comedian and actor with offenses between 1999 and 2005, involving four women.

Comedian and actor Russell Brand was charged with rape and sexual assault in the United Kingdom on Friday. Brand, 49, faces one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault for alleged attacks on four women,