In a statement to TMZ, a Meta spokesperson confirmed the takedown, noting that the accounts were removed because they violated company policies.
Tech giant Meta has deactivated the official Instagram and Facebook accounts belonging to British actor and comedian Russell Brand, just days after he was convicted and sentenced to prison for rape and sexual assault.
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.
