Netflix faces backlash for keeping Russell Brand’s comedy special after conviction

Netflix retains Russell Brand’s 2018 comedy special but reportedly removes it from search results

Netflix is facing criticism for keeping Russell Brand’s stand-up special, Russell Brand: Re, in its catalogue following the comedian’s conviction for rape and sexual assault.

The streaming service has reportedly stopped recommending the 2018 special to subscribers, while its title page remains publicly available.

LBC and NME also reported that the programme has been hidden from Netflix’s search results, making it less visible to viewers.

Filmed at London’s Hackney Empire and released in December 2018, the hour-long performance features Brand discussing changes in his life after becoming a father. Netflix classifies the special as TV-MA.

A source at the streaming company told The Telegraph that the decision to retain the programme was based on giving subscribers control over what they watch.

The move has prompted mixed reactions. Some have called for Netflix to remove the special, with one questioning why the company had previously dropped Kevin Spacey from the final season of House of Cards.

Netflix resumed production without Spacey after sexual misconduct allegations emerged in 2017 and shelved his film Gore, which was awaiting release.

Others questioned whether Brand continues to receive payments from the special, while some criticised Netflix’s decision to keep it available.

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

He was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women, for offences committed between 2004 and 2009. He denied the charges and was acquitted of three other counts.