Although he has recently gained a cult following for his YouTube videos on politics, society and conspiracy theories, he started his career in entertainment as a stand-up comedian
Russell Brand has been a recognisable name for approximately 20 years after kickstarting his career as a comedian before hitting Hollywood for the big screen.
Over the weekend, the comedian – who re-positioned himself from an actor to an online personality in recent years – was accused of sexual assault, rape and emotional abuse following a joint investigation with The Times, The Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches.
Brand released a video statement saying he “absolutely refutes” the allegations against him which he described as “very, very serious criminal allegations”. The documentary and article saw four unnamed women make allegations of incidents with Brand, said to have taken place at the height of his fame between 2006 and 2013. Following its release, a fifth woman came forward to police and alleged she was sexually assaulted by him
Although he has recently gained a cult following for his YouTube videos on politics, society and conspiracy theories, he started his career in entertainment as a stand-up comedian, performing for fans at the Hackney Empire in 2000 and, later, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.