Paramount+ Reacts to Allegations with Russell Brand‘s Comedy Special Removal and Its Impact on Streaming Services Following Assault Claims
Credit: Google | Russell Brand | Russell Brand Live Show
Amid a storm of allegations, comedian Russell Brand finds himself at the center of a high-profile controversy. Paramount+ has taken decisive action by removing Russell Brand’s 2009 stand-up comedy special, “Russell Brand in New York City“, from its streaming platform. This move follows multiple sexual assault accusations leveled against Brand by four women, spanning the years 2006 to 2013. These serious allegations came to light during an investigation conducted by The Times of London, The Sunday Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches.
ALSO https://t.co/gFtY2bRg5s Paramount+ PULLS Russell Brand's comedy special 'Live in New York City' from their streaming service – after he was accused of rape and sexual assault ~ Story Below #USA #News https://t.co/rUOyq2jarx
— Follow @JodyField (@JodyField) September 20, 2023
In a synchronized response, the BBC has also opted to expunge TV and radio programming featuring Brand from its streaming services, citing a failure to meet “public expectations“. YouTube has taken it a step further, suspending monetization on Brand’s channel. Their statement emphasized that any creator whose off-platform behavior poses a threat to users, employees, or the ecosystem will face consequences, and Brand was found in violation of YouTube’s “Creator Responsibility policy“.
#BREAKING 🇺🇸
— Today On Globe (@TodayOnGlobe) September 19, 2023
YouTube suspends monetization of Russell Brand's channel (6.6M subscribers) after allegations of sexual assault.
#RussellBrand #YouTubeSuspension #CreatorResponsibility #tognews #todayonglobenews #todayonglobepic.twitter.com/zHH1rwhXwIpic.twitter.com/ZMFkWEZBxX pic.twitter.com/IVihuK2vX3
Russell Brand, in his social media rebuttal prior to the investigation going public, staunchly denied all allegations, stating that he “absolutely refutes” them.
While “Russell Brand in New York City” initially aired on Comedy Central, an affiliate of Paramount+, his other works continue to be accessible on various streaming services. Notable among these are the movies “Forgetting Sarah Marshall“, available on Hulu, and “Get Him to the Greek“, streaming on Netflix. His 2018 stand-up special, “Re:Birth“, can also be found on Netflix, which has refrained from commenting on its status amidst the ongoing controversy.
The repercussions have been swift and far-reaching. Russell Brand’s live tour has been indefinitely postponed, and fresh investigations into his behavior have been set in motion. Interestingly, Netflix stands apart from the crowd, seemingly resolute in keeping Brand’s Netflix original comedy special, “Re:Birth“, available for viewers. Netflix has a track record of not removing content, even in the face of public backlash, and this appears to be no exception.
This controversy, marked by the varied responses of streaming platforms, underscores the gravity of the allegations against Russell Brand and highlights the growing emphasis on holding individuals accountable for their off-platform actions. As the situation unfolds, close scrutiny from both audiences and industry observers will continue to shape the narrative surrounding Brand’s career and reputation.
RELATED NEWS
WEB STORIES FOR YOU
Stay connected with Today On Globe for the latest Global Issues and News Updates.
Explore more related articles at [TOG News / TOG Article]
