BBC removes 'some Russell Brand content' from iPlayer and Sounds apps following abuse allegations

The BBC has removed ‘some content’ featuring Russell Brand from its streaming services following historic allegations of rape and sexual assault made against the comedian.

The corporation announced on Tuesday that while it “does not ban or remove content when it is a matter of public record”, a “considered decision” was made to remove it from iPlayer and Sounds after falling “below public expectations”.

It follows a joint investigation by The Times, Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches about the comedian when he was at the height of his fame, working for the BBC, Channel 4 and starring in Hollywood films.

He has been accused of rape, assault and emotional abuse between 2006 and 2013.

In a statement confirming some content featuring Russell Brand has been removed from its iPlayer and Sounds apps, a BBC spokesman said: “The BBC does not ban or remove content when it is a matter of public record, unless we have justification for doing so.

“There is limited content featuring Russell Brand on iPlayer and Sounds. We’ve reviewed that content and made a considered decision to remove some of it, having assessed that it now falls below public expectations.”

Meanwhile video sharing site YouTube has stopped Russell Brand making money on its platform due to the allegations made against him.

The Google-owned company said it has suspended the monetisation of the 48-year-old’s channel because he was “violating” its “creator responsibility policy”.

The remaining shows of Brand’s Bipolarisation tour have been postponed following the publication of the allegations.

The Metropolitan Police said they had received a report of an alleged sexual assault in the wake of media allegations about the comedian and actor.