The UK entertainment world is in the midst of a reckoning following the conviction of actor-presenter Russell Brand, who has been found guilty of rape and three counts of sexual assault. Concurrently, comedian-presenter David Walliams, of Little Britain fame, has been accused of “predatory” behaviour by a number of young women in a bombshell report by The Guardian and ITV News.
Netflix has confirmed a new documentary is coming to the platform on Friday, in the wake of Brand's sentencing on Monday (9 November) to 10 years and six months in prison.
“Russell Brand: Open Secret follows Russell Brand’s path from comedian and film star to political activist and YouTuber known for spouting conspiracy theories – and ultimately to his headline-dominating criminal trial,” said Netflix in a press release.
The documentary is from the producers of 2022’s "Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story" and will feature “insiders’ voices and archival footage” and “offer insight into Brand’s life and the investigation run by The Times”.
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On Wednesday, Netflix came under fire when it announced that it wouldn't be removing Brand's comedy special "Re:Birth" from the platform. Netflix did, however, assure that it has hidden it from subscribers.
“We prioritise choice and control for our members: the freedom to watch what, how and when you want, with recommendations and ratings to inform those choices,” a spokesperson shared.
The announcement of the documentary's release has been met with mixed reactions, with some X users calling it "sinister" and accusing Netflix of "cashing in".
Check out some of the reactions below:
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— https://x.com/i/status/2120813715230470468
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— https://x.com/i/status/2120820748071886877
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— https://x.com/i/status/2120524341938995332
During Brand's sentencing, the judge said Brand's celebrity status had protected him until a 2023 exposé by Channel 4’s Dispatches, The Times and The Sunday Times. The judge added: “Whatever women wear, wherever they go, indeed whatever they drink, they retain the right to say no and demand justice in the criminal courts when sexual predators like you, Mr Brand, act without their consent.”
The Metropolitan Police is also investigating Brand over two more alleged rapes, including against a 16-year-old schoolgirl, and the Crown Prosecution Service is considering charges.
“If you come forward, you will be listened to, supported and treated with care and compassion,” Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said.
Following his conviction, Brand took to X to share the news that Meta had removed his Instagram account. “There never was a Russell Brand, according to Meta. Thank God for Elon Musk,” wrote Brand on his still-active X account. “Stay tuned.”
"Russell Brand: Open Secret" is released on Netflix on Friday 13 November.
