Russell Brand lecture on the dangers of 'cancel culture' is postponed at Florida college following rape charges
Russell Brand's planned lecture on the dangers of 'cancel culture' and censorship in Florida has been postponed.
The British comedian was charged with rape and sexual assault by the Met Police earlier this month after an 18-month investigation.
But he had still been due to appear at the New College of Florida on a panel about free speech and cancel culture.
Now officials at the institution say logistical issues and the 'current media climate' have prompted them to reschedule, according to reports.
In an email sent to students last week from the New College's communications department, staff said they had 'mutually agreed' to shift the event with Brand's team.
'This decision follows changes in event logistics, including the unavailability of the previously planned venue, the Sarasota Opera House,' they added.
'As a result, the event had been moved to a smaller on-campus theater with no tickets available for general access.
'In conversation with Russell Brand's team, all parties have mutually agreed to shift the event to a future date that allows for broader access and public engagement. While the conversation remains important, and possibly never more relevant, it is clear the current media climate is a distraction from the deeper purpose of the event—to explore free speech and civil discourse through open dialogue.'
Brand had been due to appear at the New College of Florida on a panel about free speech and cancel culture
The British comedian was charged with rape and sexual assault by the Met Police earlier this month after an 18-month investigation
The New College's Director of Public Policy Events, Alexandra Nicole Islas, said: 'At New College, we remain committed to creating spaces for honest and often challenging conversations. Free speech is not a performance—it's a principle.
'While we continue to support the intention behind this event, we also recognize that timing and context matter.
'We look forward to welcoming Mr Brand to campus at a future date under conditions that allow for thoughtful and topical engagement from both the public and our academic community.'
No new date has been set and the email did not mention any refunds or payment reissues for ticket holders, according to the Herald-Tribune.
The New College has undergone a conservative transformation since being subject to a 2023 takeover aiming to reverse its previous reputation as a liberal arts school.
The institution was targeted by Florida state governor Ron DeSantis, whose allies now dominate the board of trustees.
Staff at the New College said their new Socratic Stage Dialogue Series 'fosters open discourse and critical thinking by featuring thought leaders who challenge ideas and inspire meaningful conversation'.
Islas added that Brand's 'fearless questioning of power, engagement with cultural issues, and commitment to free speech align with our mission to explore complex topics without limitation'.
He was set to be interviewed by New College President Richard Corcoran after Sarasota Film Festival Chair Mark Famiglio dropped out.
Bill Rosenberg, head of the Novo Collegian Alliance, which formed in response to the school's political restructuring, told the radio station WMNF: 'The idea that he would be a suitable, you know, selection for a talk – it just boggles the mind in a lot of ways.
'And yet, it doesn't because it's very much the playbook under the Corcoran administration – it has been since the takeover.
'Choose your speakers carefully, and don't make them fit a political ideology, and a vision that your trying to create of New College, which is 180 degrees off what the original founders goals and missions of the college were'
Two weeks ago, the campus hosted Desantis and border czar Tom Homan for an immigration policy panel.
During the event, protestors gathered outside the Sainer Pavilion, citing concerns about political indoctrination and misinformation.
On April 4 Brand was charged with rape, indecent assault and sexual assault between 1999 and 2005.
After the announcement, he said in a new video posted on social media: 'What I never was, was a rapist. I've never engaged in non-consensual activity.'
He added: 'I'm now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court and I'm incredibly grateful for that.'
The institution was targeted by Florida state governor Ron DeSantis, who's allies now dominate the board of trustees
The New College has sought to undergo a conservative transformation since being subject to a 2023 takeover aiming to reverse its previous reputation as a liberal arts school
Two weeks ago, the campus hosted Desantis and border czar Tom Homan for an immigration policy panel, prompting protests
Brand has been told to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 2 May, but has continued to make media appearances and statements.
Yesterday he admitted he needed help from Jesus to prevent him from looking at women at his yoga class.
'I practice yoga in a secular way, never letting our Lord and Saviour more than a moment away from my thoughts,' he told conservative musician Ted Nugent.
'And Lord alone knows in a yoga class you need Jesus Christ with you, right front and center.
'It's a primarily female activity - I'll leave it there.'
