Russell Brand’s village pub in the Oxfordshire countryside has been sealed off with metal fencing, just a day after allegations of rape, sexual assaults, and abuse were made public against the comedian and actor.
Four women have alleged sexual assaults between 2006 and 2013, while the comedian and actor also faces allegations of controlling, abusive and predatory behaviour, following a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4 Dispatches.
He denied the allegations, and said his relationships were "always consensual".
READ MORE: Timeline of allegations made against Russell Brand
This morning (Sunday, September 17), the gated entrance to Mr Brand’s pub, the Crown Inn in Pishill, was blocked with security fencing, covered with a hessian fabric.
The grade II-listed pub near Henley has been temporarily closed since Mr Brand and his wife Laura took it over in March 2020.
An eyewitness who spotted the fencing being installed said it felt like the pub had been “locked down.”
“As we drove past this morning, they were putting up a hessian covering. It was like a sack covering across the front,” said the woman, who asked not to be named.
“It felt locked down. When we slowed down to look, the man putting it up stopped to look at us.
“I saw three security men in Hi-Vis behind. There were lots of people inside the building as well – about half a dozen."
Oxford Mail readers can NOW sign up for an online subscription for just £1 for one month or get 15 per cent off an annual subscription in this limited offer.
— Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) September 13, 2023
Don't miss out! Full details can be found here 👇https://t.co/X7IOnawrD3 pic.twitter.com/LQlTkCrm8o
The woman speculated that she thought Mr Brand was inside the pub.
“I think because he’s inside, they don’t want any prying eyes,” she said.
The Oxford Mail has contacted Mr Brand for a comment on why the fencing has appeared.
It is not clear whether he has received planning permission for the fencing.
Planning regulations state that permission is needed for a fence over one metre high that fronts a road used by vehicles.
The planning authority, South Oxfordshire District Council, has been contacted for comment.
There were rumours last year that Mr Brand would turn the 15th century pub into a vegan restaurant, but these were refuted by the council.
Mr Brand has applied to create a recording studio at the pub. It is believed he plans to record videos for his YouTube channel on the site.
But the plans have been opposed by neighbour Caroline Dempsey, who cited a stand-up show Mr Brand put on in The Barn.
She said: "A performance by Russell Brand of his stand-up show has provided a taste of life under the new owners; there were cars left anyhow and everywhere, double and triple parked with at least eight on the proposed development site.”
Pishill with Stonor Parish Council added it wanted to see some progress on the reopening of the pub before any additional uses are considered.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article