Russell Brand's festival axed after rape charge as fans demand refunds

Daily Mirror

26-05-2025

Comedian and actor Russell Brand's planned 'Community' wellness festival has been called off amid mounting issues and public backlash
Russell Brand 's wellness-themed 'Community' festival has been cancelled amid declining ticket sales and rising demand for refunds, following the comedian's recent rape charge. Brand, 49, was formally charged by the Metropolitan Police in May with multiple offences, including a charge of rape, indecent assault, and controlling or coercive behaviour. The alleged incidents involve four women and span from 1999 to 2005, during a period when Brand was active on television, radio, and in film.
The charges were presented at Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 3. Brand spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address, and to acknowledge his bail conditions. He previously denied all allegations, stating that his past relationships were consensual and that he 'never was a rapist.' The festival, scheduled for July, was set to take place over three days and feature activities such as yoga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, massage, meditation, and live music. Brand's wife, Laura Gallacher, was also expected to speak at the event.
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Promoted as 'about personal awakening and social change', the festival was part of Brand's recent shift toward wellness and spiritual commentary. His website described it as a gathering for 'camping, conversation on spirituality, wellness, healthy living and our environment".
In a sustainability message, Brand urged attendees to consider eco-friendly travel: 'Audience travel is typically the largest part of an event's carbon footprint. Please consider a lower-carbon travel route: public transport, shuttle bus, coach or if you're driving, fill your car with passengers.'
The cancellation has not been formally addressed by Brand. However, ticket sales have been halted, and a message on ticketing platform The Ticket Sellers confirms: 'Please note: this event has now been cancelled, more detail may be contained in the event text below. If you have purchased tickets for this event, then please contact us on 0121 472 6688 or email [e-mail].'
The festival followed a similar event held in Hay-on-Wye in 2023, part of Brand's rebranding as a wellness advocate and spiritual commentator.
The criminal case includes four separate allegations. One woman alleges she was raped by Brand in a hotel room during a Labour Party conference in 1999. According to court testimony, the assault occurred after the woman returned from the bathroom and was pushed onto a bed.
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A second woman accuses Brand of indecent assault in 2001, claiming he grabbed her forearm and attempted to drag her into a men's toilet at a TV studio.
A third complainant, a television worker Brand met in Soho in 2004, alleges he groped her breasts, pulled her into a bathroom, and forced her to engage in oral sex.
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The fourth allegation involves a woman who worked at a radio station while Brand was presenting Big Brother 's Big Mouth. She alleges that he grabbed her face, kissed her, and groped her.
The allegations first came to light in September 2023, following a joint investigation by The Times, The Sunday Times, and Channel 4 's Dispatches. In response, Brand posted a video denying the claims and said he welcomed the chance to prove his innocence.
If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999