Netflix has decided to keep Russell Brand's 2018 comedy special "Re:Birth" available on its platform, despite the comedian's recent conviction for rape and sexual assault. A spokesperson for the streaming service stated that the company prioritizes viewer choice and control, allowing members the freedom to select their own viewing content.
Brand, 51, was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison on Monday after being convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He had denied the charges and was acquitted of several other accusations.
The "Re:Birth" special, filmed in 2018 at the Hackney Empire in London, remains accessible on Netflix. While the platform has reportedly stopped actively promoting the special and made it harder to find through searches, it has not been removed.
The special includes controversial material, such as Brand making jokes about his wife and daughter. In one segment, he remarked about the birth of his daughter, stating, "There ain't nothing like seeing a vagina coming out of a vagina to make you re-evaluate your attitude towards people with vaginas. It's like f***ing Russian dolls in vaginas leading back to the dawn of time!"
During the sentencing, Justice Bennathan described Brand as a "sexual predator" who used his fame to target fans. The judge also noted Brand's "staggering arrogance" and the alleged complicity of his entourage in the "dreadful behaviour." Brand is eligible for parole in 2032.