Rumble has refused to follow in YouTube’s steps and demonetise Russell Brand after claims of sexual abuse were made against him.
The social media platform said it was “deeply inappropriate and dangerous” for Dame Caroline Dinenage, chair of the House of Commons media committee, to ask if they would stop Brand earning advertising revenue on Rumble.
The 48-year-old comedian, who found fame in stand-up comedy and on traditional TV, is thought to have made most of his money in recent years through uploading videos on YouTube and Rumble.
Brand has been barred from making money on YouTube after four women made allegations of rape and sexual assault against Brand in a joint investigation by The Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches – allegations he denies.
But his Rumble account, which has 1.42 million followers – the fifth most of anyone on the platform – will remain monetised.
In a statement, Rumble said: “While Rumble obviously deplores sexual assault, rape, and all serious crimes, and believes that both alleged victims and the accused are entitled to a full and serious investigation, it is vital to note that recent allegations against Russell Brand have nothing to do with the content on Rumble’s platform.
“We regard it as deeply inappropriate and dangerous that the UK Parliament would attempt to control who is allowed to speak on our platform or to earn a living from doing so.
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“Singling out an individual and demanding his ban is even more disturbing given the absence of any connection between the allegations and his content on Rumble.
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“Although it may be politically and socially easier for Rumble to join a cancel culture mob, doing so would be a violation of our company’s values and mission.
“We emphatically reject the UK Parliament’s demands.”
Rumble is a free-speech video streaming platform, which has made it popular among controversial commenters.
