Netflix will not pull Russell Brand stand-up special despite rape conviction - The Independent
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.
Netflix has decided to keep Russell Brand’s 2018 stand-up special on its platform, despite the comedian’s conviction for rape and sexual assault.
Russell Brand: Re: Birth, recorded at London's Hackney Empire, will no longer be actively promoted or recommended to subscribers, but viewers will still be able to access it.
During the show, Brand discusses the birth of his first child and jokes about how surprised he was that it had taken him so long to get a woman pregnant.
A Netflix source told The Telegraph and other outlets: “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.”
The decision to keep the stand-up show has been described as “a bit surprising” by Jill Greenfield, chair of the Fawcett Society – a group that campaigns for gender equality and women’s rights.
She said: “I don’t know who would want to watch that. They’re a broadcaster, they need to think about the audience, especially when there are further investigations going on.
“It’s upsetting for tons of people, particularly the victims. With a criminal conviction, it’s a wonder why you’d keep it up.”
Brand, 51, was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison on Monday after being found guilty of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others between 2004 and 2009.
The judge said Brand’s celebrity status had protected him until a 2023 exposé by Channel 4’s Dispatches, The Times and The Sunday Times “empowered” other women to come forward.
Mr Justice Bennathan told the former Hollywood actor that he will serve at least two-thirds of his sentence in prison as he accused the star of showing a “casual, arrogant disregard for any woman’s right to say no”.
Sending him to the cells, the judge added: “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.”
The Forgetting Sarah Marshall star was described as a “dangerous offender” by police – who hailed the bravery of victims in speaking out – following his sentencing at Southwark Crown Court.
The Metropolitan Police is already investigating Brand over two more alleged rapes, including against a 16-year-old schoolgirl, and charging files are being considered by the Crown Prosecution Service.
“If you come forward, you will be listened to, supported and treated with care and compassion,” Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said.
