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.

But with the blogsphere abuzz with stories of Mr Easeman’s support for Greek neonazi party Golden Dawn Mr Tatchell decided to cancel his appearance and Mr Brand pulled the event altogether. 

“I knew nothing about Laurence Easeman and the far-right allegations until Tuesday this week,” said Mr Tatchell. 

“I was not willing to appear with him based on the evidence I saw — at least not unless these allegations were shown to be untrue.”

Claims of Mr Easeman’s far-right alignment surfaced earlier this month after an anti-fascist organisation denounced the self-styled anti-bailiff activist for managing an anti-semitic Facebook group. 

According to the same reports, Mr Easeman was also connected to several racists on the social media website. 

One of his business partners Andy Clarke — who runs Firescout Corporation with Mr Easeman — even had a Facebook picture of him performing a nazi salute. 

Mr Easeman’s reaction to the allegations was not the most candid either.

In a statement published on his website People Vs The Banks yesterday, Mr Easeman went on a tirade against Mr Tatchell.

The open letter accuses Mr Tatchell of sabotaging Mr Brand’s event and denying him his “freedom of speech.”

He said: “Perhaps you’re the fascist, Peter.”

Mr Tatchell replied: “I raised Easeman’s views with Russell Brand. As a result, Russell cancelled the debate and he is investigating Easeman.”

The LGBT rights activist added that he gave “full marks” to Mr Brand for listening to his worries about Mr Easeman. 

“Russell now plans to further investigate Easeman’s politics to establish the facts, which I applaud,” Mr Tatchell added.