Netflix faces backlash over Russell Brand special

Netflix has come under criticism for continuing to make comedian Russell Brand’s stand-up special, Russell Brand: Re, available on its platform following his conviction for rape and sexual assault.

The streaming giant has reportedly stopped recommending the 2018 comedy special to subscribers. However, its programme page remains accessible on the platform.

Reports by LBC and NME said Netflix had also removed the special from its search results, reducing its visibility to viewers without completely withdrawing it from the service.

Recorded at London’s Hackney Empire and released in December 2018, the hour-long performance features Brand discussing changes in his personal life after becoming a father. Netflix has classified the programme as TV-MA, indicating that it is intended for mature audiences.

A source at the streaming company told The Telegraph that retaining the special was a decision based on allowing subscribers to choose what they want to watch.

The decision has sparked a debate among viewers, with some demanding that Netflix remove the programme altogether. Others questioned why the company had taken a different approach in the case of actor Kevin Spacey, whose involvement in the final season of House of Cards was dropped following sexual misconduct allegations in 2017.

Netflix continued production of the series without Spacey and also shelved his film Gore, which had been awaiting release.

Critics have also raised questions about whether Brand continues to receive financial benefits from the special’s availability on the platform.

Brand was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison at Southwark Crown Court on November 9.

The comedian was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women. The offences took place between 2004 and 2009.

Brand denied the charges and was acquitted of three additional counts.