Former Comedian Russell Stamp Appears in Court on Serious Charges
On Friday, Russell Stamp, a once-prominent comedian, was brought before a London court to face multiple serious allegations, including rape, indecent assault, and sexual misconduct. He entered a plea of not guilty to all five charges during the hearing.
Background of the Case and Legal Proceedings
The allegations against Stamp surfaced earlier this month after the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service authorized the Metropolitan Police to proceed with criminal charges following an extensive investigation. The 49-year-old comedian was formally charged with one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. During his court appearance at Southwark Crown Court, Stamp maintained his innocence on all counts.
The upcoming trial is scheduled to commence on June 3, 2026, marking a significant legal process for the accused.
Historical Allegations and Charges
The charges span over a decade, with allegations dating back to 1999, involving a rape in Bournemouth. Additional accusations include a 2001 indecent assault of a woman in Westminster, London, as well as a 2004 oral rape and sexual assault of another woman in Westminster. Between 2004 and 2005, further allegations of sexual assault were made by a different woman, also in Westminster.
Stamp’s Response and Public Statements
Following the announcement of the charges, Stamp, who has publicly converted to Christianity and was baptized after the allegations emerged, responded via a social media video. In the clip, he stated, “I have never engaged in non-consensual activity. I pray you will understand that by looking into my eyes.” His response aimed to address the accusations directly, though the legal process continues to unfold.
Investigation and Media Exposure
The police investigation was initiated in September 2023 after multiple allegations came to light, largely fueled by reports from Channel 4’s Dispatches and The Sunday Times. These reports brought to public attention serious accusations against Stamp. One woman recounted that she had a relationship with Stamp when she was 16 and he was 31, describing the relationship as emotionally abusive and controlling. Another woman claimed that Stamp raped her in 2012 at his residence in Los Angeles, according to reports by The Sunday Times.
Denials and Past Conduct
Throughout the investigation, Stamp has vehemently denied all allegations, which span from 2006 to 2013. During this period, he was a well-known figure, appearing on popular shows such as Big Brother’s Big Mouth, Kings of Comedy, and Big Brother’s Star Hijack. An internal review conducted by Banijay UK, the production company behind some of his shows, revealed that complaints about Stamp’s behavior had been made over twenty years ago. Additionally, an investigation into his conduct at the BBC, where he worked between 2006 and 2008 for stations including Radio 2 and Six Music, found that colleagues believed he would often manipulate situations to his advantage and remained passive when confronted.
