"I know the demon underneath". That is what one of Russell BrandAn English actor and comedian. In 2023, he was accused of sexual assault. 's accusers said about the TV personality, who is at the centre of a storm over claims of sexual abuse.

Historically, demons were thought to have the power to warp people's perception of reality. And there are certainly two perceptions in Brand's case.

For many, the picture that has emerged is of a monster who ruined women's lives. His accusers say he was violent, abusive and controlling.

For his supporters, however, he is a victim of a trial by the media, being punished for speaking out against its narratives.

In the latter group are some of the world's most powerful right-wing figures. Elon MuskA South African-born entrepreneur whose companies have included the online payment service PayPal. He now controls Twitter, renamed 'X'., Tucker CarlsonAn American conservative broadcaster and TV show personality. He is best known for his former show on Fox News. , Andrew TateAn American-British media personality who has become notorious for controversial videos. He has been charged with rape and human trafficking. and Katie HopkinsAn English media personality and far-right political commentator. have all thrown their weight behind him.

They say the real reason for the allegations is to shut Brand up. Once a light entertainer, Brand now claims to expose the spin and bias behind news stories to his 6.6 million YouTube followers.¹

They question why the allegations have only come out now that he has turned against the media.

Others say it is easy to see why it has not come out before. Many of his accusers work in the TV industry. They say they feared if they reported Brand he would destroy their careers. 

Some of his critics say if there is a hidden agenda here, it is the agenda of male power.

They say the media is not coming for Brand because he started asking about Covid; he started asking about Covid because he knew the accusations would some day come out.

Pivoting to conspiracy theoriesTheories that explain world events by blaming shady groups of powerful people operating in secret. Some conspiracy theories have a basis in fact, but many more of them are completely invented. What is more, they often play on dangerous prejudices such as antisemitism. It's worth being especially cautious and critical when you come across accounts that ascribe enormous agency to small and secretive groups., they argue, has allowed him to build a devoted fan base that is already inclined to disbelieve what they read.

That has given him an insurance policy against cancellation. His new fans will not abandon him because they will assume the media is lying about him.

Yes: Brand may well be guilty of all these accusations, but we can still ask why they are coming out now, when he has started criticising media narratives.

No: It is easy to see why the allegations are only coming out now: anyone who spoke out before risked being sued. And one thing the #MeToo movementA campaign against sexual harassment and abuse often committed by people in positions of power. The movement took off after allegations of sexual abuse were made against American film producer Harvey Weinstein in 2017. taught us is that it is very difficult for women to bring accusations against powerful men.

Or... The only agenda here is being pushed by men like Brand and Tate who want to avoid accountability for their actions. They are trying to discredit all women in a bid to save their own skin.