Russell Brand is a British comedian and internet commentator. This week, YouTube demonetizes Russell Brand page after multiple women said he sexually assaulted them more than a decade ago.
The online video site said on Tuesday that it had stopped making money from Brand's channel because the creator's "off-platform behavior" was against YouTube rules.
Because of the site's choice, Brand can't make money from the ads that are embedded in YouTube videos, which is how most content creators make money on the site.
Russell Brand wearing a white polo Russell Brand will no longer make money from YouTube, the video streaming site said on Tuesday. This is because several women have said that the comedian-turned-influencer sexually assaulted them.
The BBC took some of Russell Brand's streaming content down, joining a growing list of organizations that are moving away from the performer, who claims sexual assault and hasn't been charged with any crimes.
YouTube said that Brand's account, which has 6.6 million subscribers, can't make money because "serious allegations" have been made against the creator. The Google-owned video service said:
“„This decision applies to all channels that may be owned or operated by Russell Brand.- YouTube
The London Sunday Timessaid last week that Brand sexually assaulted more than one woman between 2006 and 2013. One of the claimed victims says Brand raped her at his home in Los Angeles, and she went to a rape crisis center to talk about it. According to The Sunday Times, her story is backed up by medical records. Another woman who says she was a victim says she met Brand when she was 16 and he was 31. In the U.K., 16 is the age of consent, but the woman says Brand was "emotionally abusive and controlling" and made her do oral sex on him. In the joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4 Dispatches, all four women spoke on the condition that their names would not be used.
The reporting in The Sunday Times is very thorough, and the story has some facts that back up what was said, like the medical records. Brand has said in the past that he had problems with drug abuse, sex addiction, and lewd behavior. This doesn't mean he's guilty of rape, but it does put the claims in perspective.
Brand has rejected the claims, but the fallout has happened quickly. The day the story came out, his talent agency fired him, and now YouTube has taken away the ads from his channel, so he can't make money from them.
YouTube is a private company, so it has the right to put up or take down anyone it wants. It doesn't have to follow the First Amendment, give material creators due process, or follow rules that are consistent with themselves. The company can do whatever it wants, and customers can say whatever they want.
When YouTube stops showing ads on a channel, the person who made the videos can't make money from them. YouTube Jack Malon told The Verge that Brand can't make money from his videos because he broke YouTube's policy on creator responsibility. He also said:
“„If a creator’s off-platform behavior harms our users, employees or ecosystem, we take action to protect the community.- YouTube
YouTube has taken money away from movies made by other famous people in the past. In 2017, the company took action against Felix "PewDiePie" Kjellberg for making anti-Semitic comments and Logan Paul for shooting a suicide victim in a Japanese forest. The site also took away Donald Trump's account because he told his followers to try to change the results of the 2020 election.
Elon Musk, Tucker Carlson, and Andrew Tate are just a few of the well-known Republicans and people on the fringes of the internet who have come to Brand's defense. After the allegations, it was said that Brand canceled some planned comedy shows and that his management company let him go.
Russell Brand is a multifaceted British entertainer known for his distinctive blend of comedy, acting, writing, and activism. Born on June 4, 1975, in Grays, Essex, England, he rose to prominence as a stand-up comedian in the United Kingdom. His comedy style is characterized by quick wit, eccentricity, and often controversial humor, making him a standout figure in the comedy scene.
Beyond comedy, Russell Brand has established a notable presence in the world of acting. He has appeared in a range of films and television shows, where his charismatic and unconventional personality often shines through. Some of his notable roles include "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," "Get Him to The Greek," and "Arthur."
Russell Brand has also made his mark as a television and radio host. He hosted the British reality show "Big Brother's Big Mouth" and served as a radio host for BBC Radio 2, showcasing his talent for engaging with audiences in various media formats.
In addition to his work in entertainment, Brand is an accomplished author. His memoir, "My Booky Wook," offered readers a glimpse into his life, and he has written books that delve into his views on politics and social issues, such as "Revolution."
After hearing that four women had accused the actor and comedian of rape and sexual abuse, YouTube stopped sending money to Russell Brand's account. The move comes right after the BBC pulled a number of shows where the shamed star was featured.
Brand gained a cult following on the internet for his controversial conspiracy theories and wellness videos. He has 6.6 million followers on YouTube. The actor gave his audience a "just asking questions" monologue that got more and more conservative. He talked about false information about vaccines, politics, and current events, as well as his thoughts on relationships, faith, and other things.