Netflix has hidden Russell Brand's stand-up comedy film Re:Birth from subscriber searches but will not remove it from its platform. The move follows Brand's conviction last week on charges of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others.
Searching for Russell Brand on Netflix in an internet browser no longer returns Re:Birth in the results, although other films featuring Brand, including St. Trinians and Death on the Nile, remain visible. The special has not been deleted from the Netflix library, however: a misspelling of Brand's surname as 'Band' brings the show up, and it can also be found through Google.
Netflix's Stance on the Special
The Telegraph reports that Netflix does not intend to remove the show but will no longer promote it to subscribers. A source told the paper: '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.'
First released in 2018, Re:Birth saw Brand discuss becoming a parent, his previous promiscuity and his political activism. The show received mixed reviews, with critics praising Brand's energy while critiquing the rambling structure and the comedian's ego.
Sentencing and Aftermath
Brand, 56, was sentenced to 10 and a half years at Southwark Crown Court and placed on the sex offender's register for life. The jail term covers four charges: nine years for rape, nine months for one count of sexual assault, 18 months for another count of sexual assault and eight months for a further count, with time reduced due to mitigating factors.
Speaking to the court, Mr Justice Bennathan described Brand as a 'sexual predator', adding he had 'a casual and arrogant disregard for a woman's right to say no to you'. Brand showed no reaction to the sentence but mouthed the words 'I love you' to his wife, Laura Gallacher.
Following the sentencing, Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police called the outcome a 'significant milestone'. He said: 'The victims have had to revisit deeply traumatic experiences and endure significant public and media attention. I hope today's outcome provides some measure of closure and allows them to continue rebuilding their lives.'
Furphy added: 'From the very beginning, our investigation was never about Russell Brand's profile, status or celebrity. Our focus has always been on the women who reported these offences and on conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations they made.'
He appealed to victims of rape or other sexual offences to come forward, saying: 'You will be listened to, supported and treated with care and compassion.' Following the guilty verdict, the Met revealed it was investigating two more rape allegations against Brand. Metro has contacted Netflix for comment.
