Brand, who was once one of Britain's most high-profile broadcasters and is the former husband of U.S. pop singer Katy

Far right political commentator Russell Brand has been charged with rape, indecent assault, oral rape, and sexual assault in his native U.K. According to the Metropolitan Police, who announced the charges Friday,

British comedian Russell Brand has been charged with rape in the UK just days before he’s set to speak at New College of Florida in Sarasota.

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,