The United Kingdom Parliament has raised concerns about comedian Russell Brand's potential earnings from social media platforms TikTok and Rumble.
In letters addressed to both platforms, the Parliament questioned whether Brand, who has a significant following on both platforms, is profiting from his content.
The letter to Theo Bertram, TikTok's Director of Government Relations in Europe, stated, "I am writing concerning the serious allegations regarding Russell Brand, in the context as a user of TikTok with more than 2.2 million followers on the platform."
Following this, a similar letter was sent to Rumble, highlighting Brand's 1.4 million followers and questioning if Rumble plans to follow YouTube's lead in suspending Brand's monetization capabilities.
The letters, penned by Dinenage, pointed out that although Brand is no longer a television personality, he has garnered a substantial following on various social media platforms. This includes TikTok, where he recently reposted his response to accusations made against him by The Sunday Times and Channel 4s Dispatches.
The letters acknowledged that while TikTok and Rumble are not responsible for the content Brand publishes, concerns arise over the possibility of him profiting from his content. Dinenage requested TikTok to clarify whether Brand can monetize his content and what measures the platform is taking to prevent creators from exploiting the platform to the detriment of victims of inappropriate or potentially illegal behavior.
In response, Rumble issued a statement describing the letter as "extremely disturbing." The platform emphasized its stance against serious crimes such as sexual assault and rape, and the importance of thorough investigations for both the alleged victims and the accused. However, Rumble stressed that the recent allegations against Brand are unrelated to his content on their platform.
Rumble highlighted that YouTube had suspended Brand's monetization following anonymous allegations of sexual misconduct. The platform stated, "Rumble stands for different values. We have devoted ourselves to the vital cause of defending a free internet meaning an internet where no one arbitrarily dictates which ideas can or cannot be heard, or which citizens may or may not be entitled to a platform."
Rumble criticized the UK Parliament's attempt to regulate speech on their platform and restrict earnings as "deeply inappropriate and dangerous." The platform expressed concern over the singling out of Brand, especially given the lack of connection between the allegations and his content on Rumble.
Rumble concluded its statement by rejecting the UK Parliament's demands, stating that joining a 'cancel culture mob' would be a violation of the company's values and mission.
YouTube, which recently suspended Brand's monetization on a channel with over 6.6 million subscribers, stated that the suspension was due to "serious allegations against the creator."
The platform explained that it takes action to protect its community when a creator's off-platform behavior poses harm. The suspension, YouTube clarified, extends to all channels owned or operated by Brand, who currently has four channels on the platform.
In response to the letter, Jordan Peterson commented, "This is not appropriate in any way shape or form."
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