A charity that supports women battling drug addiction has severed ties with Russell Brand, who has been accused of rape, sexual assault, and emotional abuse of women over a seven-year period at the height of his fame.
The allegations, which the comedian turned wellness expert denies, were broadcast on Channel 4’s Dispatches programme at the weekend.
Since 2022 Brand had worked with the charity Trevi Women, which provides residential rehabilitation services to women with children in their care who are impacted by substance abuse. This has involved him raising money for the charity through Brand’s Stay Free Foundation.
But in a statement released after the programme was aired, the charity said it has now “ended our association with Russell Brand and the Stay Free Foundation.
“We are deeply saddened and upset by the stories reported on this evening's Channel 4 Dispatches programme regarding Russell Brand,” said the statement.
“Russell became aware of our charity in 2022 after hearing about some of the incredible mothers we have helped to become drug-free over the years. He wanted to support our cause and raise money through his Stay Free Foundation.
“Today's media revelations have been difficult to process but our priority remains and continues to be the safety and well-being of all women and girls now and in the future.”
The statement added: “As a charity whose values put women's voices at the heart of what we do, we always prioritise supporting women affected by violence and abuse and empower them to live without violence and fear.”
The allegations levelled at Brand are part of an investigation carried out by Dispatches and the Times and Sunday Times. These focused on his behaviour towards women, including in the workplace while he worked at the BBC and Channel 4.
Ahead of the Channel 4 documentary Brand, who has been critical of the mainstream media in recent years, published a video statement online refuting the allegations.
“These allegations pertain to the time when I was working in the mainstream, when I was in the newspapers all the time, when I was in the movies and, as I have written about extensively in my books, I was very, very promiscuous,” he said.
“Now, during that time of promiscuity, the relationships I had were absolutely, always consensual. I was always transparent about that then, almost too transparent, and I am being transparent about it now as well.
“To see that transparency metastasised into something criminal, that I absolutely deny, makes me question is there another agenda at play.”
Amnesty concerns
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has issued a statement urging any women with concerns about his behaviour during two events he took part in for the charity to come forward.
This relates to Brand’s involvement in the charity’s Secret Policeman's Ball events in 2006 and 2012.
Amnesty stresses in a statement that “we do not have an ongoing relationship with him” adding “the allegations are shocking and distressing. Our thoughts are with the women involved”.
“We can confirm that there were no complaints or concerns raised at the time in relation to his conduct whilst taking part in the shows,” added the statement.
“We are however very aware of the barriers women face in raising complaints of sexual assault, and would encourage any women to let us know if there is anything that they experienced at that time that is of concern.”
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