Russell Brand is to make his first public appearance since his UK rape charge, with a speech on "censorship" at a college in the US.

The actor and comedian, 49, was charged with one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape and two counts of sexual assault.

He will reportedly appear as a guest speaker at New College to speak on social and political issues, as a part of their Socratic Stage series, at an event called "Thinking without Permission: A Conversation with Russell Brand on Free Speech, Censorship, and Cultural Power."

This is part of the event's Spring series scheduled for Saturday, New College confirmed to TMZ.

Other speakers taking part include US President Donald Trump's border Czar Tom Homan, and American lawyer and professor Alan Dershowitz.

Director of Public Policy Events at New College Alexandra Nicole Islas told TMZ: "In a time when public pressure often seeks to silence rather than engage, New College of Florida is reaffirming its role in creating space for open inquiry—not eliminating it.

"After thoughtful consideration, we have decided to move forward with Russell Brand’s scheduled appearance as part of a broader conversation on society, culture, and free speech."

She added that this was a "reflection of our commitment to civil discourse and the belief that even challenging conversations deserve room in the public square".

Islas clarified that while the "justice system independently addresses other matters," the school looks to "ensure a space" where topics like "cancel culture and free speech" can be explored separately.

Brand was charged with rape and sexual assault over a seven-year period.

It followed reporting by Channel 4's Dispatches and The Sunday Times.

The Metropolitan Police said the charges relate to four women between 1999 and 2005.

Brand has previously denied the accusations, and said all his sexual relationships were "absolutely always consensual".