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Russell Brand is set to appear as a guest speaker at New College of Florida in Sarasota this Saturday, April 12, despite facing serious legal challenges. The 49-year-old British comedian and actor will participate in the college's Socratic Stage series, discussing "Thinking without Permission: A Conversation with Russell Brand on Free Speech, Censorship, and Cultural Power."
This speaking engagement comes just eight days after Brand was charged by London's Metropolitan Police with one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault. These charges stem from allegations involving four women between 1999 and 2005.
Brand swiftly denied all accusations in a video statement, asserting he has never engaged in "non-consensual activity." He is scheduled to appear in Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on May 2 to face these charges.
In addition to his UK legal troubles, Brand faces a civil sexual assault case in New York related to alleged behavior on the set of the 2011 film "Arthur." Warner Bros. recently announced plans to release outtakes from the movie's production.
Alexandra Nicole Islas, Director of Public Policy Events at New College, defended the decision to proceed with Brand's appearance: "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," Islas added.
The event will feature Brand in conversation with New College President Richard Corcoran and will be live-streamed on YouTube and Twitter/X.
New College of Florida has undergone significant transformation in recent years after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis overhauled the school's leadership in 2023, appointing six new conservative board members. Critics described this as a "hostile takeover," according to the Associated Press.
Other notable speakers participating in the Spring 2025 series include Tom Homan, President Donald Trump's border czar, and attorney Alan Dershowitz, reflecting the institution's rightward shift.
The allegations against Brand first emerged in September 2023 through a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4's Dispatches program, where five women shared their experiences of alleged sexual assault.
Despite these serious charges and ongoing legal proceedings, New College maintains that providing a platform for controversial discussions aligns with their commitment to "civil discourse" and creating space where challenging ideas "can be explored with respect, critical thought, and intellectual integrity."
