Is there a hidden agenda? The TV star Russell Brand is accused of abusing women. He says it is not true — and that he is being targeted for his work.
Accusations mount as Brand fights back
Branded: The comedian insists all of his relationships have been “consensual”. Glossary
Russell Brand - An English actor and comedian. In 2023, he was accused of sexual assault.
Conspiracy theories - Theories 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.
Elon Musk - A South African-born entrepreneur whose companies have included the online payment service PayPal. He now controls Twitter, renamed 'X'.
Andrew Tate - An American-British media personality who has become notorious for controversial videos. He has been charged with rape and human trafficking.
Katie Hopkins - An English media personality and far-right political commentator.