Russell Brand’s wellness festival axed as customers seek refunds after rape charge

Russell Brand’s career has taken yet another blow due to the cancellation of his upcoming wellness festival.

Last month, the actor and comedian was formally charged with rape by the Metropolitan Police.

It came after allegations were made against him, accusing Brand of rape, sexual assault, and controlling behaviour over several years at the height of his fame, when he was fronting talk shows, hosting on mainstream radio, and starring in Hollywood blockbusters.

The 49-year-old has maintained his innocence, previously stating that any encounters were ‘consensual’ and declaring he was ‘never was a rapist.’

However, Brand’s fans have started seeking refunds for his event, due to be held in July.

Consequently, the ‘Community’ festival has been quietly axed, according to the Daily Mail, as interest waned in ticket purchasing and those already attending seemingly changed their minds.

A description of the event said on Brand’s website: ‘Community is about personal awakening and social change.

‘Russell Brand and friends will be back for 3 days of camping, conversation on spirituality, wellness, healthy living and our environment.’

In his own appeal, Brand also said: ‘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 festival was due to offer activities like yoga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and massages.

There would also be meditation sessions hosted by holistic healers and musical performances.

Additionally, Laura Gallacher, Brand’s wife, whom he married in 2017, was set to give a talk.

While Brand is yet to issue a statement confirming the cancellation personally, links on The Ticket Sellers website no longer work.

A notice also reads: ‘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 refunds@TheTicketSellers.co.uk.’

A similar sort of festival took place in Hay-on-Wye in 2023, with the controversial star having rebranded in recent years as a charismatic, spiritual guru deeply embedded in the alternative health world.

In early May, Brand made his first court appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court after allegations of offences against four women from 1999 to 2005.

Brand, 49, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address, and that he understood his bail conditions.

The charges against him as heard in court include him allegedly raping a woman in a hotel room when she attended a Labour Party conference.

Following a theatrical event in Bournemouth in 1999, it is alleged that while the woman went to the bathroom, Brand removed some of his clothing and later pushed her on the bed, removed her underwear, and raped her.

Another of Brand’s alleged victims has accused him of indecent assault after being allegedly grabbed by her forearm by the actor as he attempted to drag her into a male toilet at a television station in 2001.

The court heard the third alleged victim was a television worker Brand met in Soho in 2004.

He is accused of grabbing her breasts before allegedly pulling her into a toilet and orally raping her.

The final complainant is a radio station worker who met Brand while he was working for Channel 4 on Big Brother’s Big Mouth between 2004 and 2005, the court heard.

Brand is alleged to have grabbed her by the face with both hands, pushed her against a wall, and kissed her before grabbing her breasts and buttocks.

Allegations against Brand were first published in September 2023 when the alleged victims came forward.

Posting on his X account at the time, he said he welcomed the opportunity to prove his innocence.

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