Russell Brand convicted, removed from Meta after 10.5-year sentence

Summarised from 3 outlets · 9 reports · Updated 13 Nov, 15:28 · Archive

Russell Brand was sentenced to 10 years and six months for rape and sexual assault; Meta deleted his accounts but his X profile remains active.

Russell Brand, the Essex-born comedian and broadcaster aged 51, was sentenced to 10 years and six months at Southwark Crown Court on 9 November. He received nine years for rape, with three sexual-assault sentences running consecutively. The offences took place between 2004 and 2009. During sentencing, the judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, described Brand as having become a 'sexual predator' as he rose to fame. Impact statements from his victims described him as a 'sexual predator who has no remorse for how his behaviour has impacted my life.'

Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, disabled Brand's accounts where he had millions of followers following his conviction. Meta's removal notification stated that his account did not follow its Community Standards and that all information would be permanently deleted. However, Brand's account on X, owned by Elon Musk, remained active. Three days after sentencing, a post appeared on the X account with screenshots of Meta's deletion notice, saying: 'There never was a Russell Brand, according to @Meta. Thank God for @elonmusk. Stay tuned.' It is unclear who posted the message. X has taken a free-speech approach to content moderation, allowing several controversial figures to remain active on the platform.

A petition titled 'Free Russell Brand' has gained over 14,000 signatures. Supporters, described as 'an independent community of supporters from around the world', are calling for his 'right to challenge those convictions through lawful appeal procedures to be fully respected.' Although the petition acknowledges the seriousness of the offences, it argues that 'the right to appeal is a fundamental safeguard of justice.' Among its core demands are the right to appeal, access to legal advice, independent legal scrutiny of any appeal grounds, and transparency in the judicial process.

How it is being reported

• Petition to 'free Russell Brand' reaches 14k signatures days after rape convictionPetition to free Russell Brand passes 14,000 signatures after comedian is jailed for rape and sexual assault; supporters call for his right to appeal.Brentwood Guardian · 13 Nov, 09:10
• Petition to 'free Russell Brand' reaches 14k signatures days after rape convictionPetition to free Russell Brand passes 14,000 signatures after comedian is jailed for rape and sexual assault; supporters call for his right to appeal.Colchester Gazette · 13 Nov, 09:10
• Petition to 'free Russell Brand' reaches 14k signatures days after rape convictionPetition to free Russell Brand passes 14,000 signatures after comedian is jailed for rape and sexual assault; supporters call for his right to appeal.Echo (Basildon) · 13 Nov, 09:10
• Meta disables Russell Brand’s social media accounts after rape convictionRussell Brand’s Facebook and Instagram accounts are disabled by Meta after his 10-and-a-half-year sentence for rape and sexual assault; X remains active.Echo (Basildon) · 12 Nov, 18:10
• Meta disables Russell Brand’s social media accounts after rape convictionRussell Brand’s Facebook and Instagram accounts are disabled by Meta after his 10-and-a-half-year sentence for rape and sexual assault; X remains active.Brentwood Guardian · 12 Nov, 18:10
• Meta disables Russell Brand’s social media accounts after rape convictionRussell Brand’s Facebook and Instagram accounts are disabled by Meta after his 10-and-a-half-year sentence for rape and sexual assault; X remains active.Colchester Gazette · 12 Nov, 18:10
• Cryptic message posted on Russell Brand's social media days after sentencingRussell Brand posts “stay tuned” on X after Meta deletes his accounts following his 10-and-a-half-year sentence on November 9 for rape and sexual assaults.Brentwood Guardian · 12 Nov, 08:51
• Cryptic message posted on Russell Brand's social media days after sentencingRussell Brand posts “stay tuned” on X after Meta deletes his accounts following his 10-and-a-half-year sentence on November 9 for rape and sexual assaults.Colchester Gazette · 12 Nov, 08:33
• Cryptic message posted on Russell Brand's social media days after sentencingRussell Brand posts “stay tuned” on X after Meta deletes his accounts following his 10-and-a-half-year sentence on November 9 for rape and sexual assaults.Echo (Basildon) · 12 Nov, 08:33

In this story: Russell Brand · Meta · Southwark Crown Court · Mr Justice Bennathan · Elon Musk · X

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