Russell Brand to headline Shelter Island Conference as UK trial looms

Russell Brand is set to appear as a headliner at a private conference on New York's Shelter Island this week, even as he faces seven sexual offence charges in the UK. The 51-year-old comedian and former actor is among the featured speakers at the Shelter Island Conference, part of the United We Stand tour organized by the Free and Equal Elections Foundation, scheduled for August 26–28 at the historic Ram's Head Inn.

Promotional materials describe Brand as an "author, broadcaster and independent voice" who will take part in discussions on capital, sovereignty, and self-governance. The event, which organizers say draws inspiration from the 1947 scientific conference held on Shelter Island, is being promoted as an opportunity for "open discourse." The Ram's Head Inn's public calendar lists the property as closed for a private function during those dates.

Legal proceedings in the UK

Brand's appearance comes as he faces criminal proceedings in Britain. He has pleaded not guilty to seven charges—three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault—relating to six women and alleged incidents between 1999 and 2009.

Brand was initially charged in April 2025 following a Metropolitan Police investigation that began after allegations were reported by the Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4's Dispatches in 2023. The original charges involved two counts of rape, one count of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault, relating to four women and alleged offences between 1999 and 2005. Brand pleaded not guilty to those charges.

Two further charges—one count of rape and one count of sexual assault—were authorized by the Crown Prosecution Service in December 2025, relating to two additional women and alleged incidents in 2009. Brand subsequently pleaded not guilty to those charges at Southwark Crown Court in February. A trial has been scheduled to start on October 12 to hear the original charges.

Responses and reactions

In response to the original charges, Brand said online: "I've never engaged in non-consensual activity. I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes." The Crown Prosecution Service has emphasized that the proceedings remain active and that Brand has the right to a fair trial. It has also warned against reporting or online commentary that could prejudice the proceedings.

Christina Tobin, founder of Free and Equal, defended Brand's inclusion at the conference, saying he is "innocent until proven guilty" and noting that he is one of two headliners. The other headliner is fiscal responsibility campaigner Joe From Texas. Other announced participants include Ron Paul, Joe Kent, Richard Mack, Patrick Byrne, David Walker, Michael Terpin, and Joby Weeks.

Background

Brand is a former Hollywood actor and broadcaster who became known for playing rock star Aldous Snow in the 2008 comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall. He reprised the role in the 2010 comedy Get Him to the Greek. His other movie credits include Bedtime Stories, Arthur, Hop, and Rock of Ages.

For support in Australia, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service at 1800 211 028.