1 week Ago By Niamh Spence
Russell Brand is set to take to the stage and speak at a college in Florida after being charged with sexual assault in the United Kingdom . The comedian and actor is currently lined up to appear as a guest speaker at New College of Florida in Sarasota at an event discussing complex and pressing social and political issues. Brand is said to be chairing his own talk, titled, "Thinking without Permission: A Conversation with Russell Brand on Free Speech, Censorship, and Cultural Power" on Saturday, April 12.
Last week Brand was charged by London Metropolitan Police for one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. The charges come after a documentary series by Channel 4's Dispatches in the UK alongside an investigation by The Times uncovered several accounts of alleged sexual assault and behavior from the comedian, with more coming forward to allege similar accounts against Brand. Alexandra Nicole Islas, Director of Public Policy Events at the school, explained the event would still go ahead with Barnd involved, despite the current allegations against him When the Mirror contacted the college, Alexandra shared a statement that read, "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.
" Brand currently faces a civil lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court , according to court documents obtained by The Mirror. The case alleges Brand exposed himself to cast members on the set of Arthur before allegedly sexually assaulting the Plantiff. Brand has denied the allegations , alongside Warner Bros, which was also named as a defendant.
Brand has also denied the New York civil allegations against him and all accusations in the US and the UK. As for the British criminal complaint, Brand made a video vehemently denying the charges, which are thought to stem from between 1999 and 2005. He noted, "We're very fortunate, in a way, to live in a time where there is so little trust in the British government," adding conspiracy concerns of "levels of corruption that are unprecedented.
" The actor continued, "We're very fortunate, I suppose, that this is happening at a time when we know that the law has become a kind of weapon to be used against people...
" Further, he said, "What I never was is a rapist. I've never engaged in nonconsensual activity, I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes." Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sport and entertainment stories.
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