The horrifying allegations against Russell Brand

The comedian, presenter and actor has been accused of sexual assault, emotional abuse and rape between 2006 and 2013 - allegations Brand denies. Alexandra Topping explains why such stories can be particularly difficult to investigate

Russell Brand's public persona has always been outrageous, controversial and sexually explicit. Yet despite multiple falls from grace he became a ubiquitous presence in the British media as a TV and radio presenter and comedian. After yet another scandal he left the UK for the US - starring in Hollywood films and being briefly married to the pop star Katy Perry.

But now he has been accused of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse. The allegations against him come from a number of women, one of whom says Brand started a sexual relationship with her when she was 16 years old that spanned seven years. Nosheen Iqbal hears how alongside serious assaults, former colleagues say his inappropriate behaviour on and off air went unchallenged.