YouTube suspends monetization of the channel following rape and sexual assault allegations
YouTube has blocked Russell Brand from making money from his platform and the BBC has removed some of its shows from its online streaming service in the wake of rape and sexual assault allegations against the comedian-turned-influencer.
YouTube said in a statement early Tuesday that the company had “suspended” monetization of Brand’s channel because it violated its “Creator Responsibility Policy.”
“If a YouTuber’s off-platform behavior harms our users, employees or ecosystem, we take action to protect the community,” the online platform said.
Brand has built a large following on his YouTube channel in recent years, amassing more than 6.6 million subscribers while making a name for himself as a “wellness” and conspiracy influencer.
Also the BBC reported It had removed “some programs” featuring the former actor from its streaming services iPlayer and Sounds that were deemed to “fall short of the public’s expectations.”
“There is limited content featuring Russell Brand on iPlayer and Sounds,” the BBC said in a statement released by the British public broadcaster on Tuesday. “We have reviewed this content and made a considered decision to remove some of it as we have concluded that it now falls short of the public’s expectations.”
Other platforms that host material from Brand, including Spotify and Luminary, did not immediately respond to NBC News’ requests for comment.
The developments come after multiple allegations of sexual assault against the British star were made public over the weekend. Brand, 48, was accused of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse by four women in a joint investigation Times of London, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 Dispatches.
Brand denied the allegations and said his relationships were all consensual.
In a video posted to his social media accounts before the allegations were made public, the comedian said he had received “extremely disturbing” communications from a mainstream television network and newspaper containing “a litany of extremely egregious and aggressive Attacks” is listed.
“But amidst this litany of astonishing, rather baroque attacks, there are some very serious allegations that I absolutely refute,” Brand said.
On Monday, London’s Metropolitan Police Service said it was investigating a report of an alleged sexual assault in 2003 in the wake of allegations against Brand.
Police told NBC News that they received a report of sexual assault against Brand on Sunday, a day after the investigation was made public and a documentary on the subject aired on Saturday.
According to the Met, the incident is said to have occurred in London’s Soho district in 2003.
“We continue to encourage anyone who believes they have been the victim of a sexual offense, no matter how long ago, to contact us,” the department said.
NBC News has not spoken to any of the accusers or independently confirmed the allegations against Brand.
Because of the allegations, Brand has postponed upcoming British comedy shows.
His management announced Monday that it was suspending the end of his current comedy tour, “Bipolarization.”
“We’re postponing these few remaining addiction charity events, it’s something we hate to do – but we know you’ll understand,” the statement said.
It was not immediately clear whether the dates would be rescheduled.
Tavistock Wood Management Agency said on Sunday it had dismissed Brand as a client after saying they had been “terribly misled” by him.
