Meta removes Russell Brand’s Instagram, Facebook account after rape conviction

The removal came to light on Wednesday when a post was shared on Brand’s still-active X (formerly Twitter) account, featuring screenshots of the suspension notices from Meta.

The Instagram notice stated: "We disabled your account. Your account, or your activity on it, doesn't follow our rules," while Facebook similarly cited a violation of its Community Standards.

In a statement to TMZ, a Meta spokesperson confirmed the takedown, noting that the accounts were removed because they violated company policies.

Prior to the deactivation, Brand’s Instagram page had amassed millions of followers and served as a primary hub for his videos and commentary.

While Meta has severed ties, Brand's X account - which boasts over 10 million followers - remains active.

The post on Russell Brand's X account included a defiant caption: "There never was a Russell Brand, according to @Meta. Thank God for @elonmusk. Stay tuned".

Meta's decision follows a high-profile four-week criminal trial at London's Southwark Crown Court.

On November 5, a jury found the 51-year-old guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women, stemming from non-recent offenses committed between 2004 and 2009 during the height of his rise to fame.

He was acquitted on two additional rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.

On Monday, November 9, Judge Joel Bennathan sentenced Brand to 10 years and six months in prison.

During sentencing, the judge rebuked Brand for his "casual and arrogant disregard" for women and told the court that while Brand had been becoming famous and charismatic two decades ago, he had "also become a sexual predator".

Brand, who had maintained throughout the trial that all encounters were consensual, was immediately taken into custody to begin serving his sentence.

The criminal case originated from a September 2023 joint investigation by The Times, The Sunday Times, and Channel 4, which prompted the victims to come forward and led to an 18-month police investigation.

Following those initial 2023 reports, YouTube demonetized Brand's channel, and British broadcasters including the BBC and Channel 4 removed his past programming from their platforms.

Meta's permanent removal of his profiles marks the most significant social media ban against Brand since his conviction.