LONDON — YouTube has suspended the monetization of Russell Brand’s account following several allegations of sexual assault against the well-known comedian and influencer. The announcement on Tuesday stated that the suspension would affect all channels potentially owned or managed by Brand.
Details on the Suspension
The Google-owned video streaming platform clarified, “This decision applies to all channels that may be owned or operated by Russell Brand.” Consequently, Brand will not be able to derive any revenue from the ads showcased within or around his YouTube videos. Among his varied content, he has videos titled “What REALLY Started the Hawaii Fires?” and “Covid Tsar Admits Lockdowns Were NEVER About Science.”
In addition to his primary channel that boasts 6.6 million subscribers, other associated channels like ‘Awakening With Russell’ has 426,000 subscribers. ‘Football Is Nice’ and ‘Stay Free With Russell Brand’ also have 20,000 and 22,200 subscribers respectively.
Brand’s Presence Elsewhere
While his YouTube monetization stands suspended, Brand continues to mark his presence on Rumble, a video platform favored by specific conservative and far-right groups. On Rumble, he has a following of 1.4 million. He is also active on X (formerly Twitter) with 11.2 million followers and on Instagram where he is followed by 3.8 million users.
Serious Allegations and Brand’s Denial
Brand, aged 48, is contending with accusations of sexual assault by four women, as reported in a Channel 4 documentary and coverage in The Times and Sunday Times. Among the complainants, one woman alleges sexual assault when she was 16 and in a relationship with Brand. Another claims she was raped by Brand in 2012 in Los Angeles. These incidents are said to have occurred between 2006 and 2013.
Following these public claims, London’s Metropolitan Police disclosed that they received an additional report of a separate assault from 2003.
Brand’s Journey Over the Years
Beginning his career with edgy and provocative standup comedy, Brand rose to prominence in the UK during the early 2000s. His endeavors span hosting radio and TV shows, writing memoirs that detail his struggles with substance abuse, and making appearances in Hollywood. He was also briefly married to singer Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012.
Despite receding from mainstream media, Brand cultivated a massive online audience in recent years, often delving into wellness, conspiracy theories, and controversial interviews.
Post the allegations, Brand’s association with his talent agency and a publisher has been terminated.
Expert Opinions
Ellie Tomsett, a senior lecturer in media and communications at Birmingham City University, opined on Brand’s future, stating, “I think there’s definitely a market for ‘outsider’ comedians… or people who position themselves as an alternative to current gender equality understandings. Will it impact his career in the long term as we expect? Possibly not.”
