Russell Brand to speak about free speech at Florida college after U.K. rape charges

New College of Florida will host actor, comedian and right-wing wellness influencer Russell Brand on Saturday, days after he was charged with rape and sexual assault in the United Kingdom.

New College of Florida will host actor, comedian and right-wing wellness influencer Russell Brand on Saturday, days after he was charged with rape and sexual assault in the United Kingdom. 

The weekend event at the school in Sarasota is set to be a conversation about free speech and cultural power.  

“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,” Alexandra Nicole Islas, New College’s director of public policy events, said in a statement Tuesday.  

Representatives for Brand, who has denied the rape and sexual assault charges, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. 

Brand was charged with two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault, North London Chief Crown Prosecutor Jaswant Narwal said Friday. The charges are related to allegations of incidents from 1999 to 2005 involving four women, she said.  

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/russell-brand-new-college-florida-free-speech-rape-rcna200311

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