A recent report has disclosed that the presidential campaign of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. issued a payment of $68,000 to a production company owned by Russell Brand. This financial transaction was for Brand’s participation during a campaign gathering.
According to a filing with the Federal Election Commission, this payment was transferred to SBX Services, a company linked to Brand, on June 1st. The submitted documents labeled the expenditure as a “consulting/speaking fee – appearance/speech.”
It’s a regular practice for presidential campaigns to hire celebrities or other prominent personalities, compensating them for public appearances to garner more attention. The relatively large amount paid to Brand’s company has sparked some discussions.
A source familiar with the Kennedy campaign mentioned that Brand’s involvement was a major draw, attracting a large audience and extensive media coverage. They noted that the money paid to SBX Services covered both the production and logistical arrangements necessary for the event.
Requests for statements from representatives of both Brand and the Kennedy campaign have not received any responses as of now.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., seeking the Democratic nomination for the 2023 presidential race, is a member of one of America’s most famous political families, being the son of the late senator and attorney general Robert F. Kennedy, and a nephew to former President John F. Kennedy.
Russell Brand, a British comedian, actor, and outspoken political activist, has previously shown support for several progressive political candidates and initiatives, notably endorsing Bernie Sanders during the 2016 and 2020 Democratic primaries.
The Kennedy campaign recently came under scrutiny for its fundraising methods, particularly after accepting, and subsequently returning, contributions from a controversial figure in the cryptocurrency sector following backlash from progressive groups.
Nevertheless, Kennedy’s campaign continues to command considerable traction in the primaries, drawing significant crowds and media interest. The implications of this new revelation on his campaign continue to be unclear as the race progresses.
