Russell Brand criticizes UK officials over censorship in wake of sexual assault claims
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Russell Brand, who currently faces multiple sexual assault allegations, urged his supporters to follow him on a different social media platform after he was censored by others.
“By now, you’re probably aware that the British government have asked Big Tech platforms to censor our online content,” Brand said in a YouTube video Friday. “And that some online platforms have complied with that request.”
YouTube suspended Brand’s content earlier this week, meaning he couldn’t receive any revenue from advertisements across his three channels.
Three British news organizations reported last week that four women have made allegations of rape, sexual assault and abuse against the comedian, actor and social influencer.
Brand denied the allegations, saying his relationships have been consensual.
He took to YouTube on Friday to urge his supporters to follow him on Rumble, a social media platform that he claimed had made “a clear commitment to free speech.”
In the video, Brand criticized the British government’s new online safety bill cracking down on technology and social media companies. Brand also condemned the Trusted News Initiative, a group of media personnel who flag misinformation, spearheaded by the British Broadcasting Company.
“It’s clear that these organizations collaborate in constructing narratives, whether that’s around the war or the pandemic and of course, there are other examples,” Brand said in his video. “And it’s very clear to me that we have to be very, very cautious indeed. That’s why I’m asking you to follow me on Rumble.”
Brand said he would return to posting on Rumble starting Monday, talking about the deep state, democracy and corporate collusion.
“I need your support now, more than ever, and more than I ever imagined,” Brand said. “So follow me, support our channel if you can, if it’s within your means, but more important than any of that, is that you please, if you can, stay free.”
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