Russell Brand has spoken out in a new video, addressing what he describes as "very, very serious criminal allegations" against him.
Taking to his YouTube channel - which boasts a following of more than 6.5 million - the divisive comedian and actor has vehemently denied accusations that he says he's received from a "mainstream media TV company" and "a newspaper".
Per The Independent, Brand's video comes hours before a mystery Channel 4 dispatches documentary is set to air on Saturday evening.
Brand, 48, did not delve into the specifics of the allegations but stated they are related to "the time when I was working in the mainstream, when... I was very, very promiscuous."
He declared: "I've received two extremely disturbing letters or a letter and an email. One from a mainstream media TV company, one from a newspaper listing a litany of extremely egregious and aggressive attacks, as well as some pretty stupid stuff like my community festival should be stopped, that I shouldn't be able to attack mainstream media narratives on this channel."
Watch Brand's video below:Brand went on to question the motivations behind what he perceives as a "coordinated media attack." Drawing parallels to Joe Rogan's recent media scrutiny for taking an unapproved medicine, Brand lamented: "During his 'time of promiscuity,' the relationships I had were absolutely always consensual.
"And to see that transparency metastasized into something criminal that I absolutely deny makes me question, is there another agenda at play?"
Moreover, the Essex-born entertainer alleged that there are witnesses who could "directly contradict" the forthcoming narrative, claiming: "Now, I don’t wanna get into this any further because of the serious nature of the allegations, but I feel like I’m being attacked and plainly they’re working very closely together."
Shortly after Brand’s video was posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), the social platform's owner Elon Musk shared his support for Brand, stating: "Of course. They don't like competition."
Brand has carved out a career marked by both notoriety and acclaim. He began his journey in the entertainment world as a stand-up comedian before transitioning to a presenter role on MTV. He later made a name for himself in films such as St. Trinian’s (2007), Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008), and Get Him to the Greek (2010).
Off-stage, Brand's life has been equally tumultuous, featuring a two-year marriage to pop star Katy Perry, a 2008 resignation from BBC Radio over a voicemail bullying scandal, and vocal criticisms of the mainstream media and voting in general elections.
Channel 4’s forthcoming program, listed simply as a "90-minute special Dispatches investigation," is scheduled to air at 9:00PM on Saturday. Whether it centers on Brand or another A-list celebrity remains to be confirmed.
As Brand prepares to confront these severe allegations, he leaves his audience with a final plea: "In the meantime, I want you to stay close, stay awake, but more important than any of that, if you can, please stay free."
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