Brand thanks Musk after Meta suspends accounts following conviction

A screenshot of the deactivation notice appeared on Russell Brand’s X account on Wednesday, November 11. The post confirmed that Meta had suspended his Instagram and Facebook profiles citing community standards violations. This action followed the comedian’s recent legal conviction.

The social media suspension details

Brand’s message read: “There never was a Russell Brand, according to @Meta. Thank God for @elonmusk. Stay tuned.” His X profile retained more than 10 million followers despite the removal from other platforms. The New York Times reported that Meta policies prohibit accounts belonging to or operated for convicted sex offenders.

Elon Musk had previously questioned aspects of Brand’s trial and the UK justice system publicly. Archives of Brand’s videos remained accessible on YouTube and Rumble. Supporters rallied around a petition titled “Free Russell Brand” posted on Change.org the following day by an anonymous organizer.

Petition and legal background

The petition called for protection of Brand’s right to appeal and respect for due process. It acknowledged the seriousness of the offences and the rights of those involved while noting Brand denied the charges. By Thursday, November 12, the campaign collected more than 16,000 signatures.

These developments followed Brand’s conviction at Southwark Crown Court. The BBC and Deadline reported the court found him guilty of one rape count and three sexual assault counts involving four women. The offences dated between 2004 and 2009.

On Monday, November 9, he received a sentence of 10 years and six months. His representatives shared a message urging followers to stay tuned as debate about his online presence continued.

Family reactions and past relationships

Laura Brand, formerly Gallacher, attended court with intent to support her husband. They married in 2017 and share three daughters. Lawyer Ian Winter KC told the judge she experienced “total devastation” and the family struggled to explain the situation to their children, according to the Daily Mail.

Brand’s former marriage to Katy Perry also resurfaced in public discussion. They married in October 2010 and separated in December 2011. Perry told Vogue in June 2013 that Brand struggled with her success and described his behaviour as “very controlling.”