Russell Brand to headline conference in US amid rape allegations
What's the story
Controversial actor-comedian Russell Brand, who has pleaded not guilty to multiple rape and sexual assault charges in the UK, is set to headline a conference on Shelter Island. The event is part of the United We Stand tour organized by electoral reform foundation Free & Equal. Despite his legal troubles, Brand's presence at the conference has been defended by Free & Equal's founder Christina Tobin and the hotel management.
Legal issues
Details about the allegations
Brand is facing serious charges including one count of rape, one of indecent assault, one of oral rape, and two of sexual assault.
These charges are related to alleged interactions with four women between 1999 and 2005.
He has denied these allegations, stating, "I've never engaged in non-consensual activity."
In December 2025, he was charged with two more counts of rape related to two additional women.
Conference details
'Innocent until proven guilty': Tobin on Brand's inclusion
The Shelter Island event, held at the Ram's Head Inn, features Brand as an "author, broadcaster & independent voice."
The promotional materials for the event prominently display his image.
Tobin has defended Brand's inclusion in the lineup.
She emphasized that he is "innocent until proven guilty" and noted that he is one of two headliners for the conference.
Conference lineup
Other speakers at the Shelter Island event
The Shelter Island conference will also feature a diverse range of other speakers.
These include Ron Paul, Joe Kent, Sheriff Mack, Patrick Byrne, David Walker, Michael Terpin, and Joby Weeks, among others.
The hotel management has suggested that Brand's inclusion in the lineup adds to the diversity of voices represented at the event.