Russell Brand's legal troubles have taken a serious turn. The British comedian is being charged with rape and sexual assault stemming from alleged incidents with four separate women between 1999 and 2005,

Russell Brand is being charged with rape and sexual assault in the U.K. The Metropolitan Police confirmed in a release Friday that the comedian, 49, had been charged with rape, indecent assault, oral rape and two counts of sexual assault. A first court appearance is scheduled for May 2.

British police have charged comedian Russell Brand with rape and sexual assault against four women. London’s Metropolitan Police force said the comedian faces one count of rape, one of indecent assault,