- British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been charged with rape by U.K. police.
- The charges stem from alleged incidents between 1999 and 2005.
- Brand is scheduled to speak at New College of Florida’s controversial speaker series.
- The college has not yet commented on whether Brand’s appearance will be canceled.
British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been formally charged with rape by U.K. police, according to multiple national news reports — just one week before he is scheduled to appear at New College of Florida as part of the school’s controversial speaker series.
Brand, 48, known for his provocative persona and past allegations of sexual misconduct, was announced as a featured guest in the college’s Socratic Stage Dialogue Series, which highlights polarizing cultural figures under the banner of “fearless discourse.”
New College communications staff did not immediately respond to questions from the Herald Tribune about whether Brand’s appearance would be canceled or postponed following the rape charge.
Brand is listed on the college’s website as a keynote speaker for the school’s upcoming event in Sarasota, “Thinking without Permission: A Conversation with Russell Brand on Free Speech, Censorship, and Cultural Power”, part of a broader campaign to rebrand New College under a conservative transformation.
“The Socratic Stage Dialogue Series fosters open discourse and critical thinking by featuring thought leaders who challenge ideas and inspire meaningful conversation. Russell Brand’s fearless questioning of power, engagement with cultural issues, and commitment to free speech align with our mission to explore complex topics without limitation,” said Alexandra Islas, NCF’s Deputy Chief of Staff and director of public policy events.
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In an email to the Herald Tribune on March 17, Islas said the institution was eager to share Brand’s perspective at the upcoming speaker event.
“New College is honored to provide a space for intellectual curiosity, debate, and the exchange of diverse perspectives, enriching both our students and the broader Sarasota community,” Islas wrote.
Brand’s New College appearance will be moderated by Mark Famiglio, chairman of the Sarasota Film Festival. No date for the talk is listed on the NCF website currently.
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According to British authorities, it is alleged that a woman was raped in 1999 in Bournemouth, southern England; one woman was indecently assaulted in London’s Westminster area in 2001; a woman was orally raped and sexually assaulted in 2004 also in the Westminster area of London; and a woman was sexually assaulted between 2004-2005 in London’s Westminster area.
“We have today authorized the Metropolitan Police to charge Russell Brand with a number of sexual offenses,” Jaswant Narwal of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said, according to a CPS press release Friday obtained and reported by CNN.
The charges come amid heightened scrutiny of the speaker series, which has drawn national attention — and criticism — for inviting far-right personalities. Two weeks ago, the campus hosted border czar Tom Homan and Florida Gov. Ron Desantis for an immigration policy panel. During the event, protestors gathered outside the Sainer Pavilion, citing concerns about political indoctrination and misinformation.
Brand has previously denied multiple allegations of sexual assault made in 2023 after an investigation by British media outlets. He has not publicly commented on Thursday’s criminal charge at the time of publication.
This is a developing story.
Samantha Gholar covers social justice news for USA Today Network-Florida. Connect with her via email at sgholar@gannett.com for news stories, features and tips.
