Netflix Refuses To Remove Russell Brand Stand-Up Special Featuring Crude Sex Joke

Netflix is facing criticism after refusing to remove Russell Brand's stand-up comedy special 'Re:Birth' from its platform, according to Page Six, Yahoo, and Deadline. The controversy follows Brand's sentencing on Monday, November 9, to 10 years and six months in prison after being found guilty of rape and three counts of sexual assault, as reported by Yahoo. Yahoo noted that Netflix assured subscribers it has hidden the comedy special. A Netflix spokesperson stated, “We prioritise choice and control for our members: the freedom to watch what, how and when you want, with recommendations and ratings to inform those choices.”

Concurrently, Netflix announced the upcoming release of a new documentary titled 'Russell Brand: Open Secret', which is scheduled to come to the platform on Friday, November 13, according to Yahoo and The Telegraph. Yahoo reported that the documentary comes from the producers of the 2022 project 'Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story' and will feature “insiders’ voices and archival footage” alongside “offer insight into Brand’s life and the investigation run by The Times”. Netflix described the project in a press release, stating, “Russell Brand: Open Secret follows Russell Brand’s path from comedian and film star to political activist and YouTuber known for spouting conspiracy theories – and ultimately to his headline-dominating criminal trial.”

The announcement of the documentary generated mixed reactions, with some X users labeling it as “sinister” and accusing Netflix of “cashing in,” according to Yahoo. During the sentencing, the judge stated that Brand's celebrity status had protected him until a 2023 exposé published by Channel 4’s Dispatches, The Times, and The Sunday Times, as noted by Yahoo. The judge further remarked, “Whatever women wear, wherever they go, indeed whatever they drink, they retain the right to say no and demand justice in the criminal courts when sexual predators like you, Mr Brand, act without their consent.” Yahoo also reported that the Metropolitan Police are investigating Brand over two additional alleged rapes, including an accusation involving a 16-year-old schoolgirl, while the Crown Prosecution Service considers charges. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy stated regarding the ongoing investigations, “If you come forward, you will be listened to, supported and treated with care and compassion.” Following his conviction, Brand posted on X that Meta removed his Instagram account, writing, “There never was a Russell Brand, according to Meta. Thank God for Elon Musk. Stay tuned.”