The controversy over assault allegations against podcaster and comedian Russell Brand continues to dominate political discourse. When accusations emerged, it led to a series of occurrences that have made ripples in the world of entertainment and business.
Several companies, including Burger King, have faced backlash for withdrawing their advertisements from the video-sharing platform Rumble.
This decision came to light as Rumble continued to host Brand’s content after YouTube demonetized his channel in response to the ongoing controversy.
Currently, it seems that Burger King may face a situation akin to the Bud Light boycott, as numerous conservative influencers are contemplating a boycott of the fast-food chain.
Turning Point USA founder and conservative commentator Charlie Kirk supports the Burger King boycott. Kirk posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, “Burger King has pulled its ads from Rumble because the free speech platform refuses to play judge, jury and executioner of Russell Brand after the UK Governor demanded the platform demonetize him. Reminder: Brand has not been convicted of a single crime. Boycott @BurgerKing. They hate free speech and due process, and their food is poison anyways. Stop eating it.”
Burger King has pulled its ads from Rumble because the free speech platform refuses to play judge, jury, and executioner of Russell Brand after the UK Governor demanded the platform demonetize him.
Reminder, Brand has not been convicted of a single crime.
Boycott @BurgerKing.…
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) September 24, 2023
The allegations against Brand are deeply concerning. A collaborative inquiry conducted by The Sunday Times, The Times and U.K. broadcaster Channel 4’s Dispatches program has brought to light accusations made by multiple women who claim that Brand engaged in intimate, physical misconduct from 2006 to 2013.
One particularly disturbing allegation involves a relationship with a 16-year-old girl when Brand was in his early 30s. She alleges that he referred to her as “the child” and recounted experiences of emotional manipulation and controlling behavior.
Conversely, Brand vehemently denies these allegations, suggesting they are a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation due to his outspoken anti-establishment stance on his prominent platform.
Numerous supporters have rallied behind the podcaster, characterizing the situation as a media-driven witch hunt and highlighting the absence of these allegations during Brand’s non-political prominence.
Rumble has faced calls to demonetize Brand’s channel, too, including a letter from a member of the UK Parliament inquiring about the removal of ad revenue from his channel, to which the company declined.
As of now, the women behind the accusations have chosen to remain anonymous, and no charges have been filed against Brand.
