A charity dedicated to addiction recovery and mental health support, which was chaired by comedian and actor Russell Brand, has officially been closed, the Charity Commission has confirmed.
The Stay Free Foundation, which aimed to support individuals struggling with addiction and mental health challenges, as well as non-profit organisations working in these areas, was officially removed from the register of charities in January 2025. According to the Charity Commission, it was informed on 23 September 2023 that the foundation “no longer operates and should be removed from the register of charities”.
Closure amidst controversy
The closure follows allegations made against Brand in 2023, when four women accused him of sexual assault between 2006 and 2013. These allegations surfaced as part of a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4 Dispatches. Brand, 49, has vehemently denied all allegations, maintaining that all his past relationships were “consensual”.
Following the publication of the accusations, several charities distanced themselves from Brand and his foundation. Organisations such as the Trevi Women & Children’s Charity and the Treasures Foundation publicly severed ties with him, further impacting the Stay Free Foundation’s operations and credibility.
Financial overview
According to the Charity Commission’s records, the Stay Free Foundation had a total income of £126,130 and expenditure of £52,353 as of June 2023. The financial health of the charity at the time of closure remains unclear, but the decision to remove it from the register indicates that its activities had ceased.
Brand stepped down from his role within the foundation last year, and the remaining trustees subsequently decided to shut down operations entirely. The foundation’s website had previously highlighted its mission to provide support for those recovering from addiction and mental health struggles.
Brand’s history with addiction recovery
Russell Brand has been vocal about his past struggles with addiction, having documented his journey in various memoirs and comedy performances. He has openly discussed his rehabilitation from heroin addiction in 2003 and has advocated for alternative recovery methods. His annual Community festival had previously donated all profits to the Stay Free Foundation, reinforcing his commitment to supporting addiction recovery initiatives.
However, the allegations against him have led to widespread scrutiny, affecting not only his personal reputation but also his charitable endeavours. The loss of key partnerships and public confidence may have contributed to the decision to close the foundation.
Review on brand’s conduct
In a separate development, a BBC review into Brand’s conduct during his tenure with the corporation found that several individuals “felt unable to raise” concerns about his behaviour. The review highlighted that some staff members believed Brand “would always get his way and therefore they stayed silent”.
The BBC’s findings have further fuelled discussions around the media industry’s handling of workplace misconduct and the power dynamics that may discourage individuals from coming forward with complaints.
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The future for brand and His advocacy
Despite the closure of the Stay Free Foundation, Brand continues to maintain an online presence, engaging with his audience through social media and alternative media platforms. Whether he will continue his advocacy for addiction recovery and mental health support remains uncertain, given the controversies surrounding him.
The dissolution of the charity marks a significant moment in Brand’s career, raising broader questions about the long-term impact of public allegations on charitable and advocacy work. As the fallout continues, the future of his activism and involvement in social causes remains to be seen.
The Charity Commission has not provided further comments on the closure, beyond confirming the removal of the foundation from its register. For now, the end of the Stay Free Foundation signals another chapter closing in the unfolding story surrounding Russell Brand.
