Russell Brand Being Fully Canceled On All Platforms
YouTube has suspended revenue on the channel owned by Russell Brand following allegations of rape and sexual assault. The company stopped monetization because the British comedian had violated its creator responsibility policy. “If a creator’s off-platform behavior harms our users, employees, or ecosystem, we take action to protect the community,” YouTube said in a statement via Deadline.
YouTube has suspended all monetization on Russell Brand’s channel following numerous allegations of rape and sexual assault.
Russell Brand, who boasts 6.6 million YouTube subscribers, has categorically denied any criminal wrongdoing, but the accusations have profoundly impacted his online presence. The content on Brand’s channel often delves into internet conspiracies, which have proved popular with viewers. However, the monetary suspension could cost him hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Sara McCorquodale, CEO of social media analysis agency CORQ, estimates that Russell Brand made between £2,000 ($2,500) to £4,000 per video, with approximately £1 million a year if he published five videos weekly. While YouTube has suspended monetization on Brand’s channel, the platform has not taken down his content entirely, leaving his videos available for viewers.
The fallout from the abuse allegations extends beyond YouTube, with other media platforms opting to scrap Russell Brand’s content. Paramount+ removed his 2009 stand-up comedy special, Russell Brand in New York City, from their streaming service. The BBC also removed television and radio programming featuring Brand from its platforms, stating that it no longer met public expectations.
The allegations against Russell Brand stem from investigations by The Times, Sunday Times, and Channel 4, which reported that four women have accused Brand of sexual misconduct and emotional abuse dating back to 2006. These allegations surfaced during the comedian’s peak fame on both sides of the Atlantic.
Paramount+ removed his 2009 stand-up comedy special, Russell Brand in New York City, from their streaming service.
Responding to these allegations, the London Metropolitan Police revealed they were in contact with a woman who reported a sexual assault incident in 2003 involving Russell Brand in London’s Soho district. Brand has vehemently denied these allegations, stating that all his relationships were consensual. He also emphasized his commitment to transparency and consent.
Russell Brand’s removal from some streaming platforms has drawn attention to the larger issue of how the entertainment industry grapples with misconduct allegations. While Paramount+, the BBC, and YouTube have taken action against Brand, other streaming services continue to host his work. Movies like Forgetting Sarah Marshall on Hulu and Get Him to the Greek on Netflix remain accessible to viewers.
The BBC also removed television and radio programming featuring Brand from its platforms, stating that it no longer met public expectations.
Russell Brand’s career began with humble origins in England. His affinity for comedy and performing arts was evident from a young age, and he honed his skills in stand-up comedy in London’s vibrant comedy scene during the late 1990s. His eccentric style and sharp wit quickly made him a rising star in the UK comedy circuit.
Russell Brand’s breakthrough came with his hosting duties on MTV’s Big Brother’s Big Mouth in the mid-2000s. His charismatic and often controversial persona earned him a dedicated following. He was known for his flamboyant fashion sense, distinctive hair, and fearless approach to comedy. In 2008, Brand’s career skyrocketed with his role as Aldous Snow in the hit comedy film Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
This marked his transition to Hollywood. Beyond acting, Brand is renowned for his insightful and provocative stand-up comedy specials, including Russell Brand in New York City and Re: Birth, in which he tackles topics ranging from politics to addiction and spirituality with a unique blend of humor and intellectualism.
