The Guardian view on Russell Brand: a misogynist in plain sight | Editorial

New allegations about the star's behaviour are disturbing. So is the way he was indulged

Until the Times and Sunday Times published reports on Russell Brand over the weekend, and Dispatches broadcast a film of their joint investigation, it was not widely known that the star is an alleged rapist and sexual abuser. The testimony of Alice" (a pseudonym), who was 16 when Mr Brand, then aged 30, allegedly initiated a sexual relationship with her in London, shocked millions of people. She described him choking her with his penis and forcing her to swallow his saliva.

Another woman, Nadia", alleged that she was raped by Mr Brand in 2012 and has evidence of records from a rape crisis centre. She saved text messages that reveal him apologising, and her reply of when a girl says NO it means no". A third woman, Phoebe", recalled running from his house in bare feet, terrified by what she alleges were his attempts to initiate sex while naked and wearing a glazed expression.

Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here.