Russell Brand sexual assault case: YouTube suspends the comedian's channel from earning revenues
File picture of Russell Brand
Video streaming platform YouTube has suspended Russel Brand's ability to earn revenues through his channel on the platform after the comedian was accused of rape and sexual assault by multiple women.
The video-sharing and social media site said it had suspended Brand’s channel from the YouTube partner programme after serious allegations were levied against him. As a result, his videos will not be monetised on the platform from now on.
The 48-year-old comedian and actor has been accused of rape, assault and emotional abuse between 2006 and 2013, when he was at the height of his fame working for the BBC, Channel 4 and starring in Hollywood films. He has denied the allegations, saying all his relationships were consensual.
The Met police said on Monday they had received an allegation of sexual assault in Soho, central London, in 2003. No investigation on the case has been launched yet.
Also read:Russell Brand gigs scrapped amid sexual assault charges as Met gets report, more women come forward
Suspending Brand’s ability to earn money from his YouTube channel is a major blow to the comedian’s finances. YouTube pays creators a cut of the money it earns from showing adverts next to their videos, which can be a highly lucrative business. Brand's gigs have also been cancelled following the charges. On YouTube Brand has over 6.5 million subscribers. The comedian had shifted many of his videos to rival site Rimble in the recent past- but the platform remains niche and is unlikely to yield that much revenue.
Although Brand no longer works for mainstream media outlets, his alternative media empire still relies on several online platforms such as YouTube that host his content and process payments.
Brand’s book publisher has already said it will pause future projects with the performer untill further notice.
