Russell Brand's Instagram account has been disabled by Meta, but posts are still appearing on his X account as he serves a 10-year-and-six-month jail sentence for one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
On Wednesday, November 11, the comedian's verified X account, @rustyrockets, posted images showing his Instagram account being shut down, along with a dig at Meta.
"There never was a Russell Brand, according to @Meta. Thank God for @elonmusk. Stay tuned," the post read. It remained unclear who wrote the message or was operating the account while Brand, 51, was behind bars.
Meta's Policy on Off-Platform Activity
Meta told TMZ that Brand's Instagram account had been removed because it "violates our policies." The policy allows Meta to restrict or disable accounts belonging to individuals who "engage in off-platform activity that can lead to harm," with convicted sex offenders among those covered by the rule.
The X post also displayed Brand's Facebook page next to a notice stating it had been suspended. The X account remained active after the Meta suspensions, delivering the message to Brand's followers.
Sentencing and Conviction
The account ban came after Brand was sentenced on Monday, November 9, in London to 10 years and six months in prison. A jury convicted him on November 5 of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a four-week trial. Brand pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing.
Donald Trump Jr. defended Brand on Tuesday's episode of his Triggered show, claiming the comedian had been targeted because of his religious beliefs and shift towards conservative politics.
"When he was like married to Katy Perry, he's one of the most famous actors in the world, no one seemed to have a problem. No one seemed to think he was a rapist then. But he finds God, I guess, changes his ways, sees some aspects of conservative life and talks about them," he said. "And now he's going to spend ... years in prison for rape when no one had a problem with it in the prior 27 years."
Police Tribute to Victims
Police paid tribute to the women who came forward to report Brand following the verdict. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy described the outcome as "first and foremost a testament to the extraordinary courage, resilience and determination of the women who came forward and reported what happened to them."
"Despite intense media and public scrutiny, they relived deeply personal and traumatic experiences and placed their trust in us," he said. "Without their bravery, this outcome would not have been possible."
