Russell Brand has been charged with rape, indecent assault and sexual assault between 1999 and 2005.
The charges relate to four separate women.
Brand has been interviewed multiple times by police since an investigation by the Sunday Times, the Times and Channel 4's Dispatches in September 2023 revealed multiple serious allegations against him.
The 49-year-old has previously denied the allegations, calling them "very, very hurtful", and saying his relationships have been "always consensual".
In a short statement, the Metropolitan Police said it had written to Brand to inform him that he was being charged with one allegation of rape, one allegation of indecent assault, one of oral rape and two further counts of sexual assault.
The force said it is alleged that:
Brand has been told to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 2 May, but he is believed to be in the United States.
In these situations, where a suspect may be overseas, prosecutors seek to agree the defendant's return. If there is no co-operation from a suspect, authorities then consider seeking extradition.
Jaswant Narwal of the Crown Prosecution Service said: "We have today authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Russell Brand with a number of sexual offences.
"We carefully reviewed the evidence after a police investigation into allegations made following the broadcast of a Channel 4 documentary in September 2023.
"We have concluded that Russell Brand should be charged with offences including rape, sexual assault and indecent assault. These relate to reported non-recent offences between 1999 and 2005, involving four women.
"The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."
The Metropolitan Police's detective superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, said: "The women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers.
"The Met's investigation remains open and detectives ask anyone who has been affected by this case, or anyone who has any information, to come forward and speak with police. A dedicated team of investigators is available via email at [email protected].
"Support is also available by contacting the independent charity, Rape Crisis at 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line."
