Women’s charity Trevi has ended its association with Russell Brand after allegations of sexual assault were made against him.
A joint investigation by the Times, Sunday Times and Channel 4 Dispatches published allegations made by four women against the actor and comedian. They included rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse.
Brand has denied the allegations in a YouTube video, saying the relationships he had were “always consensual”.
Trevi, which supports women affected by substance misuse with children in their care, said it was “deeply saddened and upset” by the stories reported about the celebrity.
It has ended its association with Brand’s recently registered charity, the Stay Free Foundation, which works with people struggling with addiction and mental health issues.
‘Deeply saddened and upset’
Trevi, which has a total income of £2.89m, began its association with Brand and the Stay Free Foundation in 2022.
“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.
“We have ended our association with Russell Brand and the Stay Free Foundation.
“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.”
Stay Free Foundation funds charities that work to support people through recovery from addiction. Brand is the chair of the charity while his wife, Laura Brand, is a trustee.
Civil Society has approached the Stay Free Foundation for comment.
A Charity Commission spokesperson told Civil Society: “We are aware of concerns raised in the media regarding the chair of trustees of the Stay Free Foundation.
“We are currently assessing information to determine if there is a regulatory role for the Commission.”
The regulator said it had made no finding of wrongdoing and could not comment further at this time.
Other linked organisations
Brand’s Stay Free Foundation names three other organisations on its website that it is working with, including London-based women’s charity Treasures Foundation.
Treasures Foundation told the Daily Mail that it would not be ending its association with Brand when the allegations first arose last week.
However, since then, the charity has made a statement saying it will no longer be receiving support from Brand or the Stay Free Foundation.
The charity was “extremely saddened” by the allegations surrounding Brand, the statement reads.
BAC O'Connor, a rehabilitation centre that also worked with Brand's charity, has “severed all ties” with the celebrity, a spokesperson told Civil Society.
The organisation's IT team is in the process of removing all references to Brand from its website.
Editor's note 25.09.23: This article has been updated to include a statement from Treasures Foundation which has said it will no longer be working with Brand or the Stay Free Foundation.
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