RUSSELL BRAND was forced to cancel part of his book launch at the last minute yesterday after claims surfaced that one of the speakers holds racist sympathies. 

The comedian’s new book Revolution was released this month amid rumours that one of Mr Brand’s associates Laurence Easeman had connections to far-right organisations.

Yesterday’s panel discussion had Mr Brand and Mr Easeman billed to speak, as well as socialist comedian Francesca Martinez and long-term LGBT rights activist Peter Tatchell.