Netflix has decided to keep Russell Brand’s controversial comedy special Re:Birth on its streaming platform despite the comedian’s conviction for rape and sexual assault.
The streaming giant has confirmed that it has no plans to remove the 2018 production, which features several controversial jokes about Brand’s wife and daughter.
However, the company has stopped actively promoting the programme.
The decision comes after the 51-year-old actor and comedian was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison at Southwark Crown Court on Monday.
Netflix Defends Decision to Keep Re:Birth on Its Platform
Re:Birth, an hour-long stand-up comedy special, was released on Netflix on December 4, 2018.
The performance was filmed at the Hackney Empire in east London.
Despite the controversy surrounding Brand’s convictions, the streaming service has chosen to leave the programme available for subscribers to watch.
A source at the American streaming company told The Telegraph that allowing subscribers to decide what they watch remained an important part of its approach.
“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!” the source said.
Brand’s Controversial Jokes About His Wife and Daughter
During the comedy special, Brand made several remarks about his experience of becoming a father and his wife’s pregnancy.
He told the audience that he was surprised it had taken so long for him to get a woman pregnant, considering his sexual history.
“I’ve hardly been conservative with sperm. Giving the stuff away like sticky confetti,” he said.
He added: “The real miracle is that one of them’s been allowed to germinate instead of being squandered in a stranger’s eyelashes.”
Brand also made a graphic joke while discussing the birth of his daughter.
“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!” he told the audience.
Brand Convicted of Rape and Three Sexual Assaults
Brand was convicted last Thursday of raping a woman he met at one of his comedy performances in 2009.
The rape took place at his home in Hampstead, London.
He was also found guilty of sexually assaulting three other women between 2004 and 2009, during the height of his fame.
The incidents involved forceful kissing, groping and other sexual assaults.
They took place at a Soho bar in central London, a Channel 4 radio studio and a Capital Radio building.
Brand denied the allegations throughout the proceedings.
He was also charged with two additional counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault but was acquitted of those charges.
Judge Describes Brand as a Sexual Predator
During sentencing at Southwark Crown Court, Mr Justice Bennathan described Brand as a “sexual predator” who had exploited his celebrity status to prey on fans.
The judge also highlighted what he described as Brand’s “staggering arrogance”, noting that some of the offences were committed in public.
He further criticised the comedian’s entourage, saying those around him had indulged his “dreadful behaviour”.
Brand received a total prison sentence of 10 years and six months.
He will become eligible for parole in 2032.
