UK
Russell Brand: Rumble calls MPs’ letter over advertising revenue ‘disturbing’ and ‘dangerous’
Rumble has refused to follow in YouTube’s steps and demonetise Russell Brand after claims of sexual abuse were made against him.
The free-speech video streaming platform said it was “deeply inappropriate and dangerous” for Dame Caroline Dinenage, chair of the House of Commons media committee, to ask if they would stop Brand earning advertising revenue on Rumble.
The 48-year-old comedian, who found fame in stand-up comedy and on traditional TV, is thought to have made most of his money in recent years through uploading videos on YouTube and Rumble.
Brand has been barred from making money on YouTube after four women made allegations of rape and sexual assault against Brand in a joint investigation by The Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches – allegations he denies.
Russell Brand leaves the Troubabour Wembley Park theatre after performing a comedy set
But his Rumble account, which has 1.42 million followers – the fifth most of anyone on the platform – will remain monetised.
In a statement, Rumble said the letter was “extremely disturbing”, adding: “While Rumble obviously deplores sexual assault, rape, and all serious crimes, and believes that both alleged victims and the accused are entitled to a full and serious investigation, it is vital to note that recent allegations against Russell Brand have nothing to do with the content on Rumble’s platform.
“We regard it as deeply inappropriate and dangerous that the UK Parliament would attempt to control who is allowed to speak on our platform or to earn a living from doing so.
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BBC director-general Tim Davie has revealed everyone in the industry is asking themselves, ‘could they have done more’ at the time.
“Singling out an individual and demanding his ban is even more disturbing given the absence of any connection between the allegations and his content on Rumble.
“Although it may be politically and socially easier for Rumble to join a cancel culture mob, doing so would be a violation of our company’s values and mission.
“We emphatically reject the UK Parliament’s demands.”
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What the ‘extremely disturbing’ letter said
In her letter to Rumble’s founder and chief executive, Chris Pavlovski, Dame Dinenage wrote: “While we recognise that Rumble is not the creator of the content published by Mr Brand, we are concerned that he may be able to profit from his content on the platform.
Read more:
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“We would be grateful if you could confirm whether Mr Brand is able to monetise his content, including his videos relating to the serious accusations against him.
“If so, we would like to know whether Rumble intends to join YouTube in suspending Mr Brand’s ability to earn money on the platform.
“We would also like to know what Rumble is doing to ensure that creators are not able to use the platform to undermine the welfare of victims of inappropriate and potentially illegal behaviour.”
Rumble’s free-speech policy has made it popular among controversial commenters such as Andrew Tate, who claims he has a $9m (£7.3m) deal with the platform.
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Alex Mahon said the allegations against Russell Brand were ‘horrendous’, ‘disgusting’ and ‘saddening’.
The allegations
Four women allege Brand assaulted them between 2006 and 2013.
This period marks the height of Brand’s fame – he was a presenter for the BBC and Channel 4 before becoming a high-profile Hollywood star.
The comedian vehemently denied “very serious criminal allegations” in a YouTube video on 15 September, claiming his relationships were “always consensual”.
You can see all the allegations made against Brand here.