Russell Brand’s first scheduled public appearance since being charged with sex offences, including rape, has been postponed, it was revealed tonight.
The former actor and comedian, 49, was due to take part in a Q&A session at New College of Florida in Sarasota this Saturday after the institution’s bosses declared it would still go ahead despite the Met Police’s announcement that he has been charged with rape, indecent assault, oral rape and two further counts of sexual assault.
However, they have tonight issued a new statement admitting “it is clear the current media climate is a distraction from the deeper purpose of the event” and it will now be rescheduled to an as yet unknown date.
In a statement issued to the Mirror, NCL’s Director of Public Policy Events Alexandra Nicole Islas said: “At New College, we remain committed to creating spaces for honest and often challenging conversations. Free speech is not a performance—it’s a principle.
“While we continue to support the intention behind this event, we also recognise that timing and context matter.
“We look forward to welcoming Mr. Brand to campus at a future date under conditions that allow for thoughtful and topical engagement from both the public and our academic community.”
A press release from the college added: “New College of Florida and the Socratic Stage series have made the decision to reschedule Thinking Without Permission: A Conversation with Russell Brand on Free Speech, Censorship, and Cultural Power to a later date.
“This decision follows changes in event logistics, including the unavailability of the previously planned venue, the Sarasota Opera House. As a result, the event had been moved to a smaller on-campus theater with no tickets available for general access. “In conversation with Russell Brand’s team, all parties have mutually agreed to shift the event to a future date that allows for broader access and public engagement.
“While the conversation remains important, and possibly never more relevant, it is clear the current media climate is a distraction from the deeper purpose of the event—to explore free speech and civil discourse through open dialogue.”
On Tuesday New College of Florida announced the event would go ahead with Brand interviewed in front of an audience by Mark Famiglio, chairman of Sarasota Film Festival.
Then just hours later, they issued another statement advising that Mr Famiglio would no longer be involved in the event and would be replaced by the President of the New College of Florida, Richard Corcoran.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Alexandra Nicole Islas 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.”
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. The investigation was launched after a joint Channel 4 Dispatches and Sunday Times report.
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.
If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
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