Paramount+ has removed a stand-up comedy special starring Russell Brand following sexual abuse allegations against the comic.
The 2009 special Russell Brand in New York City was pulled from the streamer on Tuesday. The removal follows the BBC’s decision to pull TV and radio programs featuring Brand from its streaming platforms, with the broadcaster saying it “now falls below audience expectations”.
YouTube also suspended monetization on Brand’s channel (but not on the channel itself), saying in a statement: “If a creator’s off-platform behavior harms our users, employees, or ecosystem, we take action.” The company said Brand had violated YouTube’s “Creator Responsibility Policy.”
Four women accused Brand of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse between 2006 and 2013, a period that coincided with his growing fame on both sides of the Atlantic. The allegations came through an investigation of The Times of London, The Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Shipments. Brand said in a social media video posted before the investigation became public that he “absolutely refutes” the allegations.
Russell Brand in New York City initially aired on Comedy Central, which like Paramount+ is part of Paramount Global. Other works featuring Brand remain available on various streaming services, including the films Forgot Sarah Marshall (Hulu) and Take him to the Greek (Netflix). A 2018 stand-up special, Rebirth, is also on Netflix. Netflix declined to comment Rebirth.
