A civil lawsuit filed against comedian Russell Brand in the United States, accusing him of sexually assaulting an extra on the set of the romantic comedy film "Arthur" in July 2010.
The woman, who filed the suit anonymously as Jane Doe, alleges that Brand exposed himself to her and later followed her into a bathroom where he assaulted her, while a production crew member stood guard outside.
Brand has denied the allegations, insisting that his relationships were always consensual. This lawsuit marks the first time such accusations against Brand have been formalized in a legal setting, although British police are investigating several claims against him.
The plaintiff expresses fear of being blacklisted in the film industry and being harassed by Brand's followers if her identity is revealed. She is seeking unspecified damages and filed the lawsuit under New York's Adult Survivor's Act, which allows a one-year window for victims to sue for alleged sexual offenses beyond the statute of limitations.
The Metropolitan and Thames Valley Police are also investigating separate allegations of sexual offenses, harassment, and stalking against Brand, following a media investigation that reported claims from four women alleging sexual assault by Brand between 2006 and 2013. Brand has publicly denied the claims on social media.