Russell Brand is set to make his first public appearance since being charged with sex offences, including rape, by appearing at an event to speak about “Free Speech, Censorship, and Cultural Power”. The actor and comedian, 49, will take part in the Q&A session at New College of Florida in Sarasota this Saturday, following doubts over whether it would go ahead following the Met Police’s announcement that he has been charged with rape, indecent assault, oral rape and two further counts of sexual assault.
Alexandra Nicole Islas, Director of Public Policy Events, New College of Florida told the Mirror: “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.”
The event, which will see Brand interviewed by Mark Famiglio, chairman of Sarasota Film Festival, will be live-streamed and uploaded to the New College of Florida’s YouTube, X and Rumble accounts. It is being advertised as “New College of Florida Socratic Stage Presents: Thinking Without Permission – A Conversation with Russell Brand on Free Speech, Censorship, and Cultural Power”.
Dad-of-three Brand, who is understood to have been living in Florida’s Santa Rosa Beach with his family since quitting the UK last autumn, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court next month accused of the allegations, dating back 26 years.
Reacting to the charges in a video posted on Twitter, Brand said: “I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord, I was a drug addict and a sex addict and an imbecile, but what I never was, was a rapist. I’ve never engaged in non-consensual acts. I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity. I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes.”
Brand, who was wearing a straw hat, added he is “incredibly grateful” to have the opportunity to defend the charges in court. He has been charged with the rape of a woman in 1999 in the “Bournemouth area” of Dorset, and the oral rape and sexual assault of a woman in 2004 in Westminster, central London.
He has also been charged with indecently assaulting a woman in 2001 and sexually assaulting another woman between 2004 and 2005 – both alleged to have also taken place in Westminster. Detectives launched an investigation after Brand was accused of rape and sexual assault by several women in a joint investigation by The Sunday Times and Channel 4 Dispatches in September 2023.
Brand has not been arrested and was previously questioned by police on at least two occasions under police caution. On Friday the Met encouraged potential victims and witnesses to come forward. Det Supt Andy Furphy, who is leading the police inquiry, 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 CIT@met.police.uk.
“Support is also available by contacting the independent charity, Rape Crisis at 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.”
At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Cookie Notice.
