Russell Brand lands ‘headliner’ billing at New York conference amid criminal case
The British comedian and actor is due to address an intimate gathering on Shelter Island while awaiting trial in the UK after pleading not guilty to seven sexual offence charges involving six women.
Russell Brand is set to appear at a private conference on New York’s Shelter Island next week as the comedian faces seven sexual offence charges involving six women in the UK.
The stand-up, 51, has been announced as a featured speaker at the Shelter Island Conference, part of the United We Stand tour organised by the Free and Equal Elections Foundation, at the historic Ram’s Head Inn from August 26 to 28.
Promotional material bills the former Hollywood actor and broadcaster as an “author, broadcaster and independent voice” taking part in discussions about capital, sovereignty and self-governance.
The appearance comes as Russell faces criminal proceedings in Britain.
He has pleaded not guilty to seven charges – three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault – relating to six women and alleged incidents between 1999 and 2009.
Russell was initially charged in April 2025 following a Metropolitan Police investigation that began after allegations were reported by the Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches in 2023.
The original case involved two counts of rape, one count of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault relating to four women and alleged offences between 1999 and 2005.
Russell pleaded not guilty to those charges.
Two further charges – one count of rape and one count of sexual assault – were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service in December 2025 and relate to two additional women and alleged incidents in 2009.
Russell subsequently pleaded not guilty to those charges at Southwark Crown Court in February.
Responding to the original charges in 2025, Russell said online: “I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity. I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes.”
The Crown Prosecution Service has emphasised the criminal proceedings remain active and Russell has the right to a fair trial.
It has also warned against reporting or online commentary that could prejudice the proceedings.
His appearance on Shelter Island puts Russell back before an audience after a career that once made him one of Britain’s most recognisable comedians and broadcasters.
After establishing himself through stand-up and presenting work on British television and radio, Russell moved into Hollywood, becoming particularly known for playing rock star Aldous Snow opposite Jason Segel in the 2008 comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
He reprised the character in the 2010 comedy Get Him to the Greek, starring alongside Jonah Hill.
His other movie credits include Bedtime Stories, Arthur, Hop and Rock of Ages.
In more recent years, Russell has increasingly focused on online broadcasting and political and cultural commentary.
The Shelter Island event is described by organisers as an intimate private gathering bringing together 100 speakers, patrons, entrepreneurs, supporters and independent voices.
Free and Equal founder Christina Tobin defended Russell’s inclusion when contacted by Page Six, saying he is “innocent until proven guilty” and pointing out that he is one of two headliners.
The other is fiscal responsibility campaigner Joe From Texas.
Other announced participants include former US congressman Ron Paul, Joe Kent, former Arizona sheriff Richard Mack, Patrick Byrne, David Walker, Michael Terpin and Joby Weeks.
Promotional material for the event says the gathering takes inspiration from the scientific conference held on Shelter Island in 1947 and describes the 2026 meeting as an opportunity for “open discourse”.
The Ram’s Head Inn’s public calendar shows the property closed for a private function from August 26 through August 28.
