Paramount+ Pulls Russell Brand’s Stand-Up Special Amid Sexual Assault Allegations
Paramount+, the popular streaming platform, has recently taken down Russell Brand’s stand-up comedy special following disturbing sexual assault allegations against the comedian. The 2009 special titled Russell Brand in New York City was removed on Tuesday, marking a significant response to the accusations. This move comes in the wake of the BBC’s decision to remove TV and radio programming involving Brand from its streaming platforms due to falling below public expectations.
YouTube has also taken action by suspending monetization on Brand’s channel. Although the channel itself remains active, YouTube made it clear that any off-platform behavior that harms their users, employees, or ecosystem will not be tolerated. Russell Brand has consequently violated YouTube’s Creator Responsibility policy.
The allegations against Brand involve four women who have accused him of rape, sexual assault, and emotional abuse spanning from 2006 to 2013, a period when the comedian gained widespread fame in both the United Kingdom and the United States. The Times of London, The Sunday Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches carried out an investigation that brought these allegations to light. However, prior to the public exposure of the investigation, Brand took to social media to share a video vehemently refuting the claims made against him.
Russell Brand in New York City initially aired on Comedy Central, which, like Paramount+, falls under Paramount Global. While this particular special has been removed from streaming platforms, other works featuring Brand, such as the films Forgetting Sarah Marshall (available on Hulu) and Get Him to the Greek (available on Netflix), remain accessible. Additionally, a 2018 stand-up special called Re:Birth can be found on Netflix, although the streaming giant declined to comment on its status.
The decision to pull Brand’s stand-up special and the subsequent consequences he faces highlight the ongoing issue of sexual assault in the entertainment industry. Streaming platforms and broadcasters are grappling with how to appropriately address serious allegations while still offering content to their audiences. As the investigations continue and public opinion evolves, it remains to be seen how other platforms and networks will respond to similar allegations in the future.
