Russell Brand to Headline Shelter Island Conference Amid UK Rape and Sexual Assault Charges

Russell Brand is scheduled to headline a political conference this weekend at the Ram’s Head Inn on Shelter Island, despite facing serious sexual offense charges in the United Kingdom.

Brand, a British comedian and broadcaster, has pleaded not guilty to seven charges involving rape and sexual assault. British police first charged him in April 2025 following an 18-month investigation into allegations involving four women between 1999 and 2005. He was later charged with two additional counts of rape involving two other women.

Brand has denied engaging in non-consensual sexual activity and maintains his innocence.

He is appearing at the New York stop of the “United We Stand” tour, organized by the electoral reform group Free & Equal. Promotional materials list Brand as an “author, broadcaster & independent voice” and describe his appearance as a discussion of capital, sovereignty and self-government.

Free & Equal founder Christina Tobin defended the decision to include Brand, noting that he is “innocent until proven guilty” and one of two headliners. The other is fiscal-responsibility advocate Joe From Texas.

Other speakers include former congressman Ron Paul, Rep. Joe Kent, Sheriff Mack, Patrick Byrne, David Walker, Michael Terpin and Joby Weeks. The event has drawn attention because of Brand’s legal troubles and his prominent billing at the Shelter Island venue.