Russell Brand was accused today of intentionally building an online cult to make him uncancellable and seal off millions in revenue from his “wellness” and conspiracy theory videos.
The comedian, actor and wellness guru has gained 5 million YouTube subscribers since launching the Me Too movement in 2017 and his content has been viewed more than 1 billion times, MailOnline can reveal.
Experts believe he earned £1 million a year from advertising on YouTube by producing five short videos a week, without taking into account merchandising and sponsorships.
Today, the streaming giant cut his revenue by stopping him from making money from his channel because it “violates our copyright responsibility policies” – but he can still make films for his legion of fans.
Critics, fellow comedians and pundits accuse Brand of “cultivating” a “cult” online and claim this was done deliberately because he knew he would be accused of abusing women.
Canadian feminist author and social activist Naomi Klein tweeted: “Of course Russell Brand’s followers deny the allegations.” He has trained an audience to deny/disbelieve everything they see and hear, which is very different from healthy skepticism differs.
“This knee-jerk denial is exactly why people with lots of skeletons in the closet love conspiracy culture: They have a built-in defense against accountability.” It’s all a conspiracy, always. I met Brand and was on his show (years ago). It took incredible courage for these women to come forward. You have all my solidarity.
Comedian Rosie Holt said: “I guess the lesson is: kids: if you’ve had rumors of sexual misconduct going around for ages, start a cult on YouTube to support you when the allegations become public.”
The comedian has vigorously denied allegations that he raped, sexually assaulted and emotionally abused multiple women. Pictured: Brand in a video posted on social media denying the claims before they were made public
Critics believe Brand’s online presence and choice of topics, including conspiracy theories, are a ruse
Fans insist Brand is the victim of a conspiracy
An American writer tweeted: “Russell Brand knew this day was coming for him since October 2017.”
“Since then, he has purposefully cultivated and cultivated a new, mentally malleable following that distrusts both women and the media so that he can continue to get high on his other drug of choice – the spotlight.”
The comic received support online from the likes of Andrew Tate and Elon Musk, and his fans turned out in droves to show their support at an appearance at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
Far-right radio host Alex Jones, who owes $1.5 billion in damages to the families of victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting, said: “The Matrix is after Russell Brand, anyone who is the globalists anyone who challenges Big.” Pharma, anyone who is popular, who goes against the establishment, is accused of assaulting women. Now that he is speaking out against the New World Order, the accusations are suddenly hitting him.”
One fan said after the allegations that he had abused women: “At some point Russell Brand woke up and became a strong dissenting voice that no longer served their agenda.” No wonder they are so desperate to destroy him.
PR guru Mark Borkowski believes Brand has developed a “cult following” online who may be willing to support him despite “horrific” allegations about his treatment of women.
Another said: “I’m aware you’ve been saying in the comments for a while now, ‘Look out, Russell.’ They’re coming for you. “You’re getting too close to the truth.” A third said: “I’ve never seen women throw themselves at someone like him.” […] No one has ever accused him of assault. Now that he speaks out against the New World Order, the accusations suddenly hit him.’ Then for clarity: “I’m on Russell Brand’s side, he’s completely innocent.”
The investigation by Channel 4, The Times and Sunday Times began four years ago. Around the same time, he retired from much of his television and film work.
During this time, his YouTube subscriber count has increased from around 1 million to 6 million. His total video views have increased from around 100 million to over 1 billion since 2019.
His net worth is estimated to be between £15 million and £40 million. YouTube experts estimate he makes $61,000 per month from YouTube and possibly another $100,000 per month from merchandise and paid subscriptions to his podcast.
Russell Brand’s subscriptions and video views on YouTube have exploded since 2017
Latest news from Russell Brand
He lives with his wife Laura Gallacher in their £3 million riverside home in Henley, Oxfordshire.
PR experts say it will never be canceled because of this army of fans.
Mark Borkowski believes the comedian, who has been accused by multiple women of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse, has declared war on the mainstream media.
He said: “The crimes he is accused of are horrific and damaging to him and the people who cared for him at the time.”
The PR guru says some of this His fanbase will remain intact thanks to the “uninhibited, unregulated world of social media” – raising serious questions for the BBC and Channel 4.
Mr. Borkowski said Brand had 11 million followers on Twitter alone, 6.6 million subscribers on YouTube and a hugely popular wellness podcast. These fans might choose to support him.
‘He [Brand] has an audience and many, many people engaging with its content.”
Russell Brand, pictured at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theater on Saturday evening, is likely to retain a large portion of his fan base despite the allegations made against him
He added that the comedian’s dismissal of the allegations was reminiscent of how Donald Trump deals with allegations of inappropriate behavior.
Mr Borkowski said: “I think there will be a large number of people who will stand by him.” Normally your career would be over with such allegations, but in this case that is not the case, which is interesting.
“He’s a great content generator.” He hasn’t made it in his job because he’s mediocre. “He has the power to enchant his audience.”
Brand, 48, was accused of assaulting four women between 2006 and 2013 while working as a presenter for BBC Radio 2 and Channel 4 and later as an actor in Hollywood. Other women have made a range of allegations of controlling, abusive and predatory behavior.
Mr Borkowski said: “It raises questions about someone who was granted a certain level of power because of his talent and his meteoric rise.”
“It calls into question Russell Brand, but also those in charge on TV.” “A lot of people will be looking at themselves this morning – the people in power today will not be the same people who ran this.”
Brand has since been dropped by a women’s charity he worked with, while television production companies and broadcasters have launched investigations into his alleged behavior.
Mr Borkowski added: “It is questionable whether he will face police action, but the question at the moment is on social media – the man will not get a fair trial if the police have the evidence to prosecute him.”
“Maybe more people will come forward, others might see an opportunity.” “It’s a very complex case, a mix of old media and social media.”
