Video streaming platform Rumble disclosed a statement on Wednesday, revealing a letter they had received from the U.K. Parliament, demanding that the platform demonetize Russell Brand.
The letter was in response to recent allegations of sexual misconduct — demands with which Rumble did not ultimately comply.
“We are also looking at his use of social media, including on Rumble where he issued his preemptive response to the accusations made against him by The Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches,” the letter read. “While we recognise that Rumble is not the creator of the content published by Mr. Brand, we are concerned that he may be able to profit from his content on the platform,” Dame Caroline Dinenage, chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, said.
“We would be grateful if you could confirm whether Mr. Brand is able to monetise his content, including his videos relating to the serious accusations against him. If so, we would like to know whether Rumble intends to join YouTube in suspending Mr. Brand’s ability to earn money on the platform,” the letter from Parliament continued.
Rumble’s reply began by labeling the request from Parliament as “disturbing.”
“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 content on Rumble’s platform,” the company’s letter read.
Rumble highlighted the fact that YouTube had chosen to demonetize Brand based solely on the accusations against him.
“Rumble stands for very 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,” the company asserted.
The company further criticized the U.K. Parliament’s attempt to control speech on their 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,” the statement read. The company emphasized that the accusations against Brand bore no relation to the content on Rumble.
“We don’t agree with the behavior of many Rumble creators, but we refuse to penalize them for actions that have nothing to do with our platform,” Rumble said.
“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,” the statement concluded.
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