A UK woman, Mia Latter, who has publicly claimed that she was raped by Russell Brand when she was 16, is advocating for changes in the age of consent law in the UK. Latter, now 37, decided to come forward and discuss her past experiences with the comedian, focusing her efforts on a campaign rather than pursuing legal action.
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Latter, previously known under the pseudonym ‘Alice’, recounted her experiences with Brand, which allegedly occurred when Brand was connected to MTV. Latter was among several women who came forward in 2023 during an investigation conducted by the Times, the Sunday Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches. However, she did not participate in Brand’s recent criminal trial, where he faced multiple charges but was acquitted of several allegations.
The crux of Latter’s campaign is the proposition of a “staggered” age of consent law. She asserts that relationships between individuals aged 16 or 17 and significantly older adults should be prohibited. Latter clarified that her focus is not on criminalizing teenage relationships, but on protecting minors from potentially exploitative situations with much older adults. “If you’re in your thirties, forties, or fifties, pursuing a relationship with someone under 18 should be a criminal offense,” she stated.
Latter’s allegations include a report of oral rape towards the end of her relationship with Brand, a claim she now frames as rape after initially describing it as sexual assault back in 2023. Brand has denied all allegations. Despite the legal procedures and investigations, Latter has chosen to prioritize her campaign over continuing with the criminal trial process, expressing a strong belief in bringing social and legal reform.
The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation in January 2026 concerning Latter’s allegations. They stated that more information was needed to progress the case. Meanwhile, the Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed its commitment to working closely with investigators to ensure swift case progress.
Latter’s advocacy for legislative change in the age of consent is an effort to protect vulnerable teenagers from power imbalances in relationships with significantly older individuals. Her story, shared extensively in the media, serves as a catalyst for ongoing discussions about lawful protections for young people.
Photo by Jordhan Madec on Unsplash
