Netflix is set to look at Russell Brand’s crimes in a new documentary after the comedian was found guilty of rape and sexual assault.
Russell Brand: Open Secret will chart Brand’s career “from comedian and film star to political activist and YouTuber known for spouting conspiracies theories”, culminating in him being sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison following a high-profile criminal trial.
The documentary – which is released on Friday (13 November) – is from the producers of 2022’s Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story and will feature interviews with insiders who can share insight into Brand’s life.
Rosamund Urwin and Charlote Wace, the journalists who broke the story around his allegations in The Times and The Sunday Times in 2023, will also participate.
The release follows only days after the streamer was met with backlash over its choice to keep Brand’s 2018 stand-up special on its platform despite the comedian’s guilty verdicts.
Russell Brand: Re: Birth, recorded at London's Hackney Empire, will no longer be actively promoted or recommended to subscribers, but viewers will still be able to access it.
A Netflix source told The Telegraph and other outlets: “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.”
On Thursday 5 November, Brand was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault against four victims between 2004 and 2009. He was sentenced to 10 year sand six months in prison on Monday 9 November.
He is expected to serve two-thirds of his prison sentence before being released on licence, and will be on the sex offenders’ register for life.
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 “empowered” other women to come forward.
Delivering his verdict, 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 charging files are being considered by the Crown Prosecution Service.
“If you come forward, you will be listened to, supported and treated with care and compassion,” Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said.
Russell Brand: Open Secret arrives on Netflix on Friday 13 November.
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