Netflix will release a new documentary on Russell Brand tomorrow (November 13), just days after the comedian and actor was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison.
The documentary, titled Russell Brand: Open Secret, examines Brand's rise to fame as a comedian, TV and Hollywood film star, as well as his later pursuits as a "political activist and YouTuber known for spouting out conspiracy theories". It concludes with his dramatic fall from stardom through his headline-dominating criminal trial.
Conviction and Sentencing
On November 5, the 51-year-old was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault at a London court. He was also accused of using his celebrity status to prey on women throughout his career. Brand was found not guilty of two other counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Soon after, Brand was given his sentence at Southwark Crown Court. He is expected to serve two-thirds of the term behind bars, after which he can be released on licence. The star has also been placed on the sex offenders' register for life.
Documentary Details
Directed by Olivia Issacs, the documentary comes from 72 Films, the Fremantle company that produced Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story. The film will feature insiders' voices and archived footage to give viewers further insight into Brand's life in and out of the spotlight. It will also examine the investigation run by The Times and The Sunday Times.
Over his two-decade career, Brand featured heavily in TV, radio, stage and podcasts. He also made a number of appearances in Hollywood films, including Hop, the Despicable Me franchise, and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. He cemented himself in the spotlight after marrying pop star Katy Perry in 2010; the couple finalised their divorce in 2012, with the singer previously telling her fans that her ex-husband "should be in jail".
Tour Cancellation After Conviction
Following Brand's conviction, it has been reported that a singer has had the remaining dates of his tour cancelled after he publicly shared support for the convicted rapist. Former frontman of The Icicle Works, Ian McNabb, has had his tour cancelled after he claimed that Brand had been "stitched up" for his "outspoken views". Amongst these cancelled stops are Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Russell Brand: Open Secret comes out tomorrow (November 13) on Netflix.
