Comedian and actor Russell Brand is due to talk about free speech and cultural power at a college in Florida, days after he was charged with rape and sexual assault
Russell Brand is set to make his first public appearance after being charged with rape and sexual assault.
The comedian and actor will discuss free speech and censorship at a college in the US this weekend, days after it was confirmed that he was facing charges relating to four different women.
Police had started investigating in 2023 after allegations about Brand were made – which he denied. Then then last week it was announced that he was being charged with one count each of rape, indecent assault and oral rape as well as two counts of sexual assault.
He addressed the charges in a video posted on social media, insisting: “What I never was, was a rapist. I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity.” “I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes,” he said.
The star told fans he was “incredibly grateful” to “have the opportunity to defend these charges in court”. “In the meantime, you lot – stay free and we will be continuing to discuss this matter,” he said.
It has now been confirmed that Brand will go ahead with his appearance at a Q&A session at New College of Florida in Sarasota. Entitled Thinking without Permission: A Conversation with Russell Brand on Free Speech, Censorship, and Cultural Power, it will take place on Saturday.
Alexandra Nicole Islas, the director of public policy events at New College of Florida, said in a statement shared with the Mirror that the decision had been made “after thoughtful consideration”. Islas added that it was a “reflection of our commitment to civil discourse”.
The statement said: “In a time when public pressure often seeks to silence rather than engage, New College of Florida is reaffirming its role in creating space for open inquiry – not eliminating it.
“After thoughtful consideration, we have decided to move forward with Russell Brand’s scheduled appearance as part of a broader conversation on society, culture, and free speech. This is a reflection of our commitment to civil discourse and the belief that even challenging conversations deserve room in the public square.
“While the justice system independently addresses other matters, our responsibility is to ensure a space where ideas—especially those that invite dialogue such as the topic of cancel culture and free speech, can be explored with respect, critical thought, and intellectual integrity.”
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It was confirmed last week that Brand was being charged for rape, indecent assault and sexual assault. The Metropolitan Police said in a statement: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge a man following an investigation by detectives.
“The Met has issued a charge and requisition to Russell Brand, 49 (04.06.75), of Oxfordshire, in connection with the following offences – one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape, two counts of sexual assault. Detectives began investigating in September 2023 after receiving a number of allegations, which followed reporting by Channel 4’s Dispatches and The Sunday Times.”
The statement went on: “It is alleged that – in 1999 a woman was raped in the Bournemouth area, in 2001 a woman was indecently assaulted in the Westminster area of London, in 2004 a woman was orally raped and sexually assaulted in the Westminster area of London and between 2004 and 2005, a woman was sexually assaulted in the Westminster area of London.”
Brand – who has previously denied the claims made against him – is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on May 2.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
