The Charity Commission has opened a regulatory compliance case into the Stay Free Foundation, a charity chaired by Russell Brand.
Brand’s charity was recently registered with the Commission and works with people struggling with addiction and mental health issues. His wife, Laura, is a trustee.
It comes after allegations of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse were made against Brand in a joint investigation by the Times, Sunday Times and Channel 4 Dispatches.
Another allegation of sexual assault was received by the Metropolitan Police on Tuesday. Brand has denied all of the allegations.
A Charity Commission spokesperson said: “Serious concerns have been raised in the media regarding the chair of trustees of the Stay Free Foundation and as a result, we have opened a regulatory compliance case.
“We are engaging with the charity to seek assurances that it is effectively managing risks to its reputation and is able to fulfil its purposes in line with our guidance.”
Civil Society has asked Stay Free Foundation for comment but has yet to receive a response.
Three of the four organisations working with Brand's Stay Free Foundation have distanced themselves from the charity since the allegations were made.
Foodbank charity One Can Trust, of which Brand had been an ambassador since 2021, announced it had also cut ties with the celebrity since the allegations were made.
Editor's note 25.09.23: This article has been updated to state that three of the four organisations working with Brand's Stay Free Foundation have cut ties with it. At the time of publication it was only two.
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