Netflix Says It Has No Plans to Remove Russell Brand’s Special After His Rape and Sexual Assault Conviction
by Sari Moon · Thought CatalogBy Sari Moon
Updated 41 minutes ago, November 11, 2026
Netflix is keeping Russell Brand’s special Re: Birth available after his rape and sexual assault conviction, though it’s understood the company will stop recommending or actively promoting it.
The 2018 special, recorded at London’s Hackney Empire, includes a routine about how long it took him to get a woman pregnant and covers the birth of his first child.
Netflix says it has no plans to remove the show. It’s understood that subscribers will still be able to watch it, but the company will stop recommending or actively promoting it.
A Netflix source said: “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.”
Brand, 51, received a 10-year, 6-month prison sentence at Southwark Crown Court on November 9, 2026. He was convicted of raping 1 woman and sexually assaulting 3 others over offences committed between 2004 and 2009.
Jill Greenfield, chair of the Fawcett Society, which campaigns for gender equality and women’s rights, questioned the decision to keep the special available. She cited the impact on victims and further investigations.
“It’s upsetting for tons of people, particularly the victims. With a criminal conviction, it’s a wonder why you’d keep it up,” Greenfield said.
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