Russell Brand has been banned from hosting an Australian wellness event after he was accused of sexual assault.
• Also read: Russell Brand pauses tour amid sexual assault allegations
• Also read: Russell Brand, the downfall of a provocateur with millions of fans
The British comedian was set to headline the health and wellness event in February 2024, taking place in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. However, he and the festival organizers mutually decided to cancel his participation after he was accused of rape and sexual assault over the weekend.
“Due to circumstances that have recently come to light, Wanderlust and Russell Brand have agreed that Mr. Brand will not participate in the Wanderlust Festival,” festival executive director Charlotte Hill wrote in a statement.
On Saturday (16Sep23), Russell Brand was accused of rape and sexual assault by four women between 2006 and 2013 as part of a joint investigation by The Times, The Sunday Times and Channel’s Dispatches 4. On Sunday, London Metropolitan Police received a 2013 assault complaint against Russell Brand.
Following this news, the remaining dates of his UK tour were postponed, YouTube stopped monetizing his video channels and Bluebird, Pan Macmillan’s publisher, suspended his contract. Some TV episodes starring Russell Brand have been removed from Channel 4 and the BBC’s on-demand services, while Paramount+ has also removed his 2009 comedy special.
The American Trip actor denied the allegations in a video released Friday, saying all of his sexual encounters have always been “completely consensual.”