LONDON — British prosecutors say they have been given a file of evidence from police about alleged sexual offenses by comedian Russell Brand and are considering whether to charge him.

The Crown Prosecution Service said late Saturday that “we have been passed a file by the police to consider a charging decision in this case. Any decision to charge is made independently, based on the evidence and in line with our legal test.”

Detectives from London’s Metropolitan Police force have interviewed 49-year-old Brand three times over “non-recent sexual offenses.”

“Our investigation continues and a file has now been passed to the CPS,” said Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation. “We have a team of dedicated officers providing specialist support to the women who have come forward. We are committed to investigating sexual offences, no matter how long ago they are alleged to have taken place.”

In September 2023, British media outlets Channel 4 and the Sunday Times published claims by four women of being sexually assaulted or raped by Brand between 2006 and 2013, at the height of his fame. The accusers have not been identified.

The comedian, author and “Get Him To The Greek” actor has denied the allegations, saying his relationships were “always consensual.”

Known for his unbridled and risqué standup routines, Brand hosted shows on radio and television, wrote memoirs charting his battles with drugs and alcohol, appeared in several Hollywood movies and was briefly married to pop star Katy Perry between 2010 and 2012.

In recent years, Brand has largely disappeared from mainstream media but has built up a large following online with videos mixing wellness and conspiracy theories.

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Man sentenced to life in Young Dolph killing gets 35 more years in prison

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Tennessee man sentenced to life in prison in the daytime ambush killing of rapper Young Dolph received an additional 35 years behind bars Friday.

Justin Johnson was convicted of first-degree murder on Sept. 26 and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole the same day by Shelby County Judge Jennifer Mitchell. On Friday, she sentenced Johnson for his two other convictions from the trial: conspiracy to commit murder and being a felon in possession of a gun.

Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr., was fatally shot in November 2021 at a Memphis bakery. Known for his works of charity in the city where he grew up, the 36-year-old rapper and independent music label owner was in Memphis to hand out Thanksgiving turkeys to families when his visit to his favorite cookie shop turned into an event that shocked the entertainment world.

Prosecutor Paul Hagerman noted during the sentencing hearing that Johnson, a 26-year-old aspiring rapper, had three aggravated assault convictions before the shooting and he had “no hesitation” to commit the murder-for-hire in a public place. Hagerman called it a “stone-cold execution” motivated by money and fame.

In a statement read in court, the rapper's sister said the family feels “anger, anxiety and grief” over the death of Young Dolph, who “created a legacy that will endure long after this tragedy.”

“In a world full of envy, jealousy and arrogance, many fail to realize the impact of their actions until it's too late,” the statement said.

Johnson's lawyer, Luke Evans, said Johnson was manipulated by others to shoot Young Dolph. Evans has requested a new trial for Johnson, arguing that the evidence presented during the trial was not sufficient for a conviction. Evans said Johnson would not be eligible for parole for another 50 years under the murder conviction alone.

During the trial, co-defendant Cornelius Smith testified that rapper Yo Gotti’s brother, Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, had put out a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph as well as bounties on all the artists at Young Dolph’s record label, Paper Route Empire. Smith said he and Johnson were “looking for somebody” and “didn’t know who we were going to catch.”

They knew that Young Dolph and some of his artists were participating in the turkey giveaway, so they were heading in that direction when they saw Young Dolph’s car. They followed him to the cookie shop and opened fire in broad daylight, Smith said. Young Dolph was hit 22 times and died at the scene.

Hagerman told trial jurors that Cocaine Muzik Group (now known as Collective Music Group), a rival record label founded by Yo Gotti, wanted Young Dolph to work for them, but he turned them down. Young Dolph later wrote diss tracks directed at the label, its artists and its “number two person,” Big Jook. Big Jook was shot and killed outside a restaurant earlier this year.

In addition to Smith’s testimony, prosecutors presented a mountain of circumstantial evidence, including from surveillance cameras and Johnson’s own cellphone.

Smith is also charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder and has pleaded not guilty. A trial date has not been set for him.

Evans, the defense attorney, said in the trial's closing arguments that Smith was lying and would say anything to try to save himself. Evans also noted that Smith’s fingerprints were found in the getaway car but Johnson’s were not. And he said there was “no proof that Justin Johnson got a penny,” while Smith testified he received $800 before he was arrested and his defense attorney later received another $50,000.

Hagerman countered that video and cellphone evidence corroborated Smith’s story. They included calls between Smith and Johnson shortly before the killing and a call between Johnson and Big Jook immediately after.

Jermarcus Johnson, who pleaded guilty in June 2023 to three counts of serving as an accessory after the killing, acknowledged helping his half-brother and Smith communicate by cellphone while they were on the run from authorities. He has not been sentenced.

Hernandez Govan, whom Smith identified as a go-between with Big Jook, has pleaded not guilty to organizing the killing. A trial date for Govan has been set for March 10.

Young Dolph began his career by releasing numerous mixtapes. His studio albums include his 2016 debut, “King of Memphis.” He also collaborated on other mixtapes and albums with fellow rappers Key Glock, Megan Thee Stallion, T.I., Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz and others.

Young Dolph had three albums reach the top 10 on the Billboard 200, with 2020′s “Rich Slave” peaking at No. 4.

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Prince Harry, Meghan Markle reportedly buy European summer home

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry reportedly have their eye on returning to Europe — at least for some of the time.

The Sussexes have shelled out millions on a beachfront summer home at Portugal’s Costa Terra Golf & Ocean Club, Us Weekly reports.

The 40-year-old royal and former “Suits” star, 43, would live in one of 300 homes on the sprawling luxury property — which according to its website covers 722 acres in Melides, about 80 miles outside of Lisbon.

Costa Terra says it offers “the simple luxury of natural European living,” which for residents boasts an “exclusive Tom Fazio golf course, the equestrian center, a family-focused beach club, an organic farm, a wellness center, and a charming community village [that] brings a renewed sense of adventure and exploration.”

Staying at Costa Terra, where George Clooney and Sharon Stone have also reportedly invested in property, would also afford more convenient access to Harry’s native London, which is just a 2.5-hour direct flight away.

Royal expert Christopher Andersen told Us Weekly that such a purchase “makes sense” for the couple as Jack Brooksbank, husband to Harry’s cousin, Princess Eugenie, “works for this community.” The royal, 34, and wine merchant, 38, have spent the past two years living between the U.K. and the “very posh” Melides.

Investing in a pricey residence in Portugal would also enable Markle to secure the so-called Golden passport, which the “King: The Life of Charles III” author said would “give you access to all of the European countries.”

Vox reported in 2023 that so long as someone invests at least $100,000 in property or a public good, and passes background checks, they can secure the coveted document.

Despite marrying Harry in 2018, and passing the U.K. citizenship test, she never qualified for a British passport. The couple stepped back from senior royal duties when they ditched Britain for Markle’s native California in early 2020, meaning she never lived in the U.K. for the minimum three years required to obtain citizenship.

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Rita Hayworth’s daughter opens up about mom’s Alzheimer’s struggle at benefit

NEW YORK — The late Hollywood goddess Rita Hayworth was remembered by her daughter Princess Yasmin Aga Khan while she hosted the 40th anniversary of The Alzheimer’s Association’s Imagine Benefit.

“My fight against Alzheimer’s began in 1981 when I became a caregiver for my mother when she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. I knew at that moment that this would become my life’s work.”

Leslie Odom Jr. sang “The Room Where It Happens” from “Hamilton.” Leading the applause were Sharon Bush, David Hyde Pierce, Peter Thomas Roth, Huma Abedin, divorce attorney Dan Stock and designers Jason Wu, Helen Yarmak, Peter Som and Josie Natori.

The benefit garnered $1.2 million, adding to the $90 million that has been raised since the group’s founding in 1984.

From combined wire services