Meta has deactivated British former comedian and actor Russell Brand’s Instagram and Facebook accounts following his convictionand sentencing for four sexual offences.
The move comes two days after Mr Brand was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison at Southwark Crown Court on Monday.
A notice displayed on Meta’s platform said, “Our technology found your account, or activity on it, doesn’t follow our rules. As a result, a member of our team took action. No one can see or find your account and you can’t use it. All your information will be permanently deleted. You cannot request another review of this decision.”
Reacting to the deactivation on Wednesday night, Mr Brand’s team shared a screenshot of Meta’s notice on X, stating, “There never was a Russell Brand, according to Meta. Thank God for Elon Musk. Stay tuned.”
X owner Elon Musk, a prominent supporter of Mr Brand, had defended him on Monday, describing his sentencing as “unjust”.
Meanwhile, other U.S. tech platforms, including YouTube and Rumble, which Mr Brand used to reach his audience and generate income, have retained his contents.
Mr Brand, 51, was sentenced to 10 years and six months’ imprisonment after being convicted of four sexual offences.
He will also be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.
