Russell Brand spreads conspiracy theories after sexual abuse allegations
Russell Brand shared his first video on Friday after numerous sexual assault allegations were made against him on Saturday. In the clip he created for
He did not directly address the claims made by four anonymous women – which he denied in a video he released before publication – other than to say: “Obviously it’s been an extraordinary and troubling week.”
Following the joint revelation by Channel 4, The Times and The Sunday Times, Channel 4 and BBC, TV and audio shows featuring the comedian were removed, Paramount+ dropped his comedy special and his upcoming live tour was also cancelled.
However, Netflix has decided to keep its 2018 special for now.
In his video, Brand lashed out at them The UK Online Security Actwhich was passed by Parliament earlier this week, and the Trusted news initiative which was co-founded by the BBC. He described the latter as “a collaboration between Big Tech and mainstream media organizations to target, control, stifle and shut down independent media organizations like these.”
Following his demonetization on YouTube, he also urged his fans to follow him on the social media platform Rumble as the company has “made a clear commitment to free expression.” He said it will be his new “primary platform.”
British police have launched an investigation into the claims revealed in Saturday’s report. One of the women was 16 years old, the legal age in Britain, at the time of the alleged incident.
Brand’s talent agency Tavistock Wood dropped him, although it later emerged that a report had been made to the agency by an accuser in 2020.
His book contract with the Pan-Macmillan label Bluebird was also suspended. A company representative said in a statement: “These are very serious allegations and in light of these allegations, Bluebird has made the decision to cease all future publications with Russell Brand.”
Channel 4 has also launched an internal investigation into Brand’s conduct. The comedian had several shows on the network, including “The Russell Brand Show,” “Russell Brand’s Got Issues” and “Russell Brand’s Ponderland.”
