Why allegations like the ones against Russell Brand can take years to come to light

In a joint investigation by The Times, The Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches, the 48-year-old comedian and TV presenter was accused of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse by four women, including a 16-year-old girl, during the height of his fame.

Following the rape and sexual assault allegations against Russell Brand, social media is full of conspiracy theories as to why they have been published now.

Writing for The Spectator, literature editor Sam Leith called out the “naive cynicism” over the Brand allegations by those attempting to pick holes in The Times investigation.