March 10, 2023 - 2:08pm
It’s all over for Russell Brand. He’s been regarded with suspicion by the Left for a few years now, but with today’s denunciation by George Monbiot in The Guardian the process of excommunication is complete.
Monbiot begins his piece by admitting his previous admiration for his current bête noire. Indeed, in 2014, he nominated Brand as his hero of the year. One can only imagine his disappointment when the wildly anarchic stand-up comedian turned out not to be completely reliable.
But what is Brand supposed to have done wrong? According to Monbiot’s charge sheet it’s his “endless iterations of the alleged evils” of such individuals and institutions as the World Economic Forum, Nancy Pelosi, Anthony Fauci and big pharmaceutical companies.
These are influential persons and organisations. They shouldn’t be exempt from challenge — and certainly not because they clothe themselves in the garb of political and scientific progress. That said, Monbiot’s main gripe concerns the way in which Brand goes after his targets. In this regard, Exhibit A is Brand’s rant against the Dutch government’s enforcement of an environmental regulation on its farmers — which has provoked a popular backlash. Monbiot describes Brand’s words as a “classic conspiracy theory mashup: a tangle of claims that may be true in other contexts, random accusations, scapegoating and resonances with some old and very ugly tropes”.
Brand can be careless in his choice of language. Nitrate pollution from intensive agriculture needs to be controlled, therefore it’s wrong to say that “this whole fertiliser situation is a scam”. It’s also hard to buy the conspiratorial idea that environmental regulation is being used to facilitate a global “land grab” at the expense of small farmers.
However, there’s a distinction to be drawn between the questionable specifics of Brand’s argument and the bigger picture. Governments across Europe have spent decades pushing intensive agricultural methods on the countryside. In particular, the distortions of the Common Agricultural Policy have forced farmers to over-produce — and the big agri-industrial corporations that sold them the nasty chemicals which made this possible have profited handsomely. But now that governments can no longer ignore the environmental impacts of their policies, they’re placing the burden of putting things right on struggling farmers.
Join the discussion
Join like minded readers that support our journalism by becoming a paid subscriber
To join the discussion in the comments, become a paid subscriber.
Join like minded readers that support our journalism, read unlimited articles and enjoy other subscriber-only benefits.
SubscribeMonbiot is such a worm. The reason people like Brand have foresaken “the Left” is because it’s filled with smuglords like him who haven’t realized they’re not underdogs anymore
…and speaking of conspiracies, has anyone checked those Epstein Flight Logs for George’s name? he seems a bit worried frankly 🙂
Upvote for “smuglords”.
Monbiot was never an underdog except in his dreams, indeed the left hasn’t been the underdog at all in his adult lifetime.
Everybody in the UK today is an underdog except for the 0.1% who own and run everything including the government.
Everybody in the UK today is an underdog except for the 0.1% who own and run everything including the government.
Do you, of all people think you can speak for “people who like Brand”? I would have thought you were singularly unqualified to do so.
I said “people like Brand”, as in “people such as him”, not “people who like him”
Touché !
Touché !
I said “people like Brand”, as in “people such as him”, not “people who like him”
…and speaking of conspiracies, has anyone checked those Epstein Flight Logs for George’s name? he seems a bit worried frankly 🙂
Upvote for “smuglords”.
Monbiot was never an underdog except in his dreams, indeed the left hasn’t been the underdog at all in his adult lifetime.
Do you, of all people think you can speak for “people who like Brand”? I would have thought you were singularly unqualified to do so.
Monbiot is such a worm. The reason people like Brand have foresaken “the Left” is because it’s filled with smuglords like him who haven’t realized they’re not underdogs anymore
I am a fairly regular viewer of Stay Free on the Rumble platform — taking in the full hour at least twice or three times a week, depending on the central topic — and I barely recognise the criticisms levelled at Brand.
I suspect most of his detractors are turned off by the so–called ‘rants’, refusing him an ear out of mere chagrin. Certainly my wife finds his delivery hard going but she speaks English as a second language and as such she is hardly able for the fast edits and highly structured, verbose content of his speech. For my part, I find him consistently articulate, well–argued, endearingly open–hearted and, yes, very funny.
I think Monbiot’s invective speaks volumes more about himself and the bloodless cant of his (e)co–religionists at The Grauniad than it does about Brand. Under Katherine Viner’s stewardship, the paper has very plainly sold out to the corporate interests of its advertisers. It strikes me that she and her staff would hardly know good journalism from a random tweet at this point.
I watched him become enlightened. Guardiantistas would hate this. I find him very clever and articulate. I admire his willingness to challenge the mainstream view.
That’s 4 good reasons to listen to him isn’t it?
That’s 4 good reasons to listen to him isn’t it?
I watched him become enlightened. Guardiantistas would hate this. I find him very clever and articulate. I admire his willingness to challenge the mainstream view.
I am a fairly regular viewer of Stay Free on the Rumble platform — taking in the full hour at least twice or three times a week, depending on the central topic — and I barely recognise the criticisms levelled at Brand.
I suspect most of his detractors are turned off by the so–called ‘rants’, refusing him an ear out of mere chagrin. Certainly my wife finds his delivery hard going but she speaks English as a second language and as such she is hardly able for the fast edits and highly structured, verbose content of his speech. For my part, I find him consistently articulate, well–argued, endearingly open–hearted and, yes, very funny.
I think Monbiot’s invective speaks volumes more about himself and the bloodless cant of his (e)co–religionists at The Grauniad than it does about Brand. Under Katherine Viner’s stewardship, the paper has very plainly sold out to the corporate interests of its advertisers. It strikes me that she and her staff would hardly know good journalism from a random tweet at this point.
I’ve never had much time for Russell Brand; he’s just not my cup of tea. I used to have great respect for George Monbiot, though, bought and read his books. In recent years, that has flipped entirely – I have far more respect for Brand than Monbiot now.
George is always keen to point out that he does not shill for Davos Man (though, of course, we know that his employer, The Guardian, accepts the biggest cheque from Bill Gates of all the UK media). However, he is happy to align with their crazy plans for the little people. That sort of alignment is OK. Brand, however, has views that may align with those held by some on the right (which, for George, means the FAR right). That sort of alignment is NOT OK.
George sees a direction towards fascism in Russell Brand’s views, but George should take a long hard look in the mirror as he pumps out column after column implying that your rights should be removed in the service of the causes he promotes.
Only the aware and intelligent among us.. the gullible and naive listen to the Tories telling us how eonderful everything is.
Only the aware and intelligent among us.. the gullible and naive listen to the Tories telling us how eonderful everything is.
I’ve never had much time for Russell Brand; he’s just not my cup of tea. I used to have great respect for George Monbiot, though, bought and read his books. In recent years, that has flipped entirely – I have far more respect for Brand than Monbiot now.
George is always keen to point out that he does not shill for Davos Man (though, of course, we know that his employer, The Guardian, accepts the biggest cheque from Bill Gates of all the UK media). However, he is happy to align with their crazy plans for the little people. That sort of alignment is OK. Brand, however, has views that may align with those held by some on the right (which, for George, means the FAR right). That sort of alignment is NOT OK.
George sees a direction towards fascism in Russell Brand’s views, but George should take a long hard look in the mirror as he pumps out column after column implying that your rights should be removed in the service of the causes he promotes.
Brand needs no defense, and he can certainly take care of himself (his utter crushing of the perpetually preposterous John Heilemann was as funny as his appearances with Noel Fielding on Big Quiz). As for Monbiot, he’s the absolute opposite of Brand, as is typical of The Guardian’s contributors: a witless, uninformed, closed-minded, angry scold. How do they get that way, those sad Grauniads?
He’s right though.
Monbiot is better than that, far better. We need a lot more like him to call out the wicked oligarchs than are running GB into the ground.
He’s right though.
Monbiot is better than that, far better. We need a lot more like him to call out the wicked oligarchs than are running GB into the ground.
Brand needs no defense, and he can certainly take care of himself (his utter crushing of the perpetually preposterous John Heilemann was as funny as his appearances with Noel Fielding on Big Quiz). As for Monbiot, he’s the absolute opposite of Brand, as is typical of The Guardian’s contributors: a witless, uninformed, closed-minded, angry scold. How do they get that way, those sad Grauniads?
Brand’s style is hardly surprising given he suffers from ADHD and bipolar. I find him hard to follow but if I make the effort much of what he says rings true. I agree with the author of this article: although Brand’s style might sometimes be over the top, he articulates the problems with modern society many of us sense but can’t quite define. Long may he continue, if for no other reason than to irritate the likes of Monbiot.
Brand’s style is hardly surprising given he suffers from ADHD and bipolar. I find him hard to follow but if I make the effort much of what he says rings true. I agree with the author of this article: although Brand’s style might sometimes be over the top, he articulates the problems with modern society many of us sense but can’t quite define. Long may he continue, if for no other reason than to irritate the likes of Monbiot.
Does anybody still listen to Moonbat?
Does anybody still listen to Moonbat?
I remember Brand and Jordan Peterson talking for the first time some years ago, one of Peterson’s visits to the UK. Somewhere on youtube. No idea how or why the two met or agreed to talk. Brand’s idea of philosophising was to string big five dollar words together in an animated, shouty way, that sounds impressive but is just word salad. And Peterson was carefully trying to pick out some coherent thought to latch on to and forward the conversation with. JP was very much into “listen carefully to what other people say” mode but at the end of two hours was self-admittedly exhausted. Brand muddies the water to make it seem deep. He reminds me of those kids on their tiny bikes trying to do wheelies in front of the girls.I’m not a girl and I’m not impressed.
He is likeable and funny and not a sanctimonious Californian-style liberal. These are three excellent qualities in a celebrity. I treat his views as seriously as those of any other comic or actor, viz. I disregard them entirely the moment I hear them.
Funnily enough I have a friend who like Brand is an ex–drug addict. And he often spouts the same animated “word salad” that you describe. I wonder if the drugs cause it.
I forgot to add that I’m glad Brand has moved on from his earlier career as the self proclaimed second coming of Jesus Christ. That’s not my snark or hyperbole, promise.
Whoever said it needs to wash his mouth out with soap and so does the guy who repeated it.. Just because you don’t understand something isn’t sufficient reason to ridicule it.. you will of course be cheered on my other ignoramuses but that doesn’t really count for much dies it?
Whoever said it needs to wash his mouth out with soap and so does the guy who repeated it.. Just because you don’t understand something isn’t sufficient reason to ridicule it.. you will of course be cheered on my other ignoramuses but that doesn’t really count for much dies it?
I forgot to add that I’m glad Brand has moved on from his earlier career as the self proclaimed second coming of Jesus Christ. That’s not my snark or hyperbole, promise.
Maybe if you improve your vocabulary you might appreciate what he has to say a bit better?
He is likeable and funny and not a sanctimonious Californian-style liberal. These are three excellent qualities in a celebrity. I treat his views as seriously as those of any other comic or actor, viz. I disregard them entirely the moment I hear them.
Funnily enough I have a friend who like Brand is an ex–drug addict. And he often spouts the same animated “word salad” that you describe. I wonder if the drugs cause it.
Maybe if you improve your vocabulary you might appreciate what he has to say a bit better?
I remember Brand and Jordan Peterson talking for the first time some years ago, one of Peterson’s visits to the UK. Somewhere on youtube. No idea how or why the two met or agreed to talk. Brand’s idea of philosophising was to string big five dollar words together in an animated, shouty way, that sounds impressive but is just word salad. And Peterson was carefully trying to pick out some coherent thought to latch on to and forward the conversation with. JP was very much into “listen carefully to what other people say” mode but at the end of two hours was self-admittedly exhausted. Brand muddies the water to make it seem deep. He reminds me of those kids on their tiny bikes trying to do wheelies in front of the girls.I’m not a girl and I’m not impressed.
Who would have thought – the Guardian attacking someone who is giving an opinion on the appalling conduct of governments and large corporations.
Who would have thought – the Guardian attacking someone who is giving an opinion on the appalling conduct of governments and large corporations.
Brand is a breath of fresh air. We need more people like him.
We could do with a few of his comments on this platform for sure instead of the usual catch cries of the clowns that pollute it.
We could do with a few of his comments on this platform for sure instead of the usual catch cries of the clowns that pollute it.
Brand is a breath of fresh air. We need more people like him.
“Free societies need mavericks, heretics and ranters”
Though do they need massive narcissists?
Apparently they do, if you consider the vast majority of politicians.
Apparently they do, if you consider the vast majority of politicians.
“Free societies need mavericks, heretics and ranters”
Though do they need massive narcissists?
Brand’s performance on the Bill Maher show was the best exposition of the case against the current transatlantic oligarchy that I’ve ever heard.
That’s probably why Monbiot has taken against him.
Brand’s performance on the Bill Maher show was the best exposition of the case against the current transatlantic oligarchy that I’ve ever heard.
That’s probably why Monbiot has taken against him.
Have no issue with Brand. We need more of him. But geez he talks way way way too fast.
Have no issue with Brand. We need more of him. But geez he talks way way way too fast.
The freedoms we now have to discuss what was once taboo is thanks to people like Russel Brand
The freedoms we now have to discuss what was once taboo is thanks to people like Russel Brand
Monbiot is self-proclaimed. I recall him declaring there was no green alternative for aviation fuel. He’s a useless idiot.
Monbiot is self-proclaimed. I recall him declaring there was no green alternative for aviation fuel. He’s a useless idiot.
“…Free societies need mavericks, heretics and ranters…”
Let me stop you right there.
Russell Brand is neither a maverick nor a heretic, and although he may (incidentally) be a ranter, what he is above all, is a t**t. And free societies can have twats, but they definitely don’t *need* twats.
A more eloquent wording of what I attempted to say!
Ditto! Having taped some of his early rants when he was urging, mainly the young, not to vote then a few weeks later to vote I realised that his fast delivery often disguised a succession of word-salads. I’ll meet Lesley half way and now only consider him to be a half-t**t and slowly improving.
Ditto! Having taped some of his early rants when he was urging, mainly the young, not to vote then a few weeks later to vote I realised that his fast delivery often disguised a succession of word-salads. I’ll meet Lesley half way and now only consider him to be a half-t**t and slowly improving.
I used to think he was a t**t and since watching him become enlightened and scales fell from his eyes, I really enjoy watching him. I find him clear, articulate and unafraid
Agree, Lesley. And how refreshing it is that Brand ends off every single session with “but that’s just what I think. Let me know what YOU think.” Monbiot, like many other outdated authoritarian hack journalists, has no interest in what his readers think, as long as they think what he tells them to think. I have watched Brand grow his audience rapidly to over six million. That’s about ten times more than many former ‘mainstreamers’ can boast. Millions of listeners and viewers would agree with Brand that he hasn’t left the Left, but the Left has left him.
Agree, Lesley. And how refreshing it is that Brand ends off every single session with “but that’s just what I think. Let me know what YOU think.” Monbiot, like many other outdated authoritarian hack journalists, has no interest in what his readers think, as long as they think what he tells them to think. I have watched Brand grow his audience rapidly to over six million. That’s about ten times more than many former ‘mainstreamers’ can boast. Millions of listeners and viewers would agree with Brand that he hasn’t left the Left, but the Left has left him.
A more eloquent wording of what I attempted to say!
I used to think he was a t**t and since watching him become enlightened and scales fell from his eyes, I really enjoy watching him. I find him clear, articulate and unafraid
“…Free societies need mavericks, heretics and ranters…”
Let me stop you right there.
Russell Brand is neither a maverick nor a heretic, and although he may (incidentally) be a ranter, what he is above all, is a t**t. And free societies can have twats, but they definitely don’t *need* twats.
All well and good but Russell Brand is still a pseud t**t.
I’m trying to imagine the two of you in a head to head with his command of language vs yours, his articulation vs your invective, to see who might come out the better.. It’s much of a contest I’m afraid
I’m trying to imagine the two of you in a head to head with his command of language vs yours, his articulation vs your invective, to see who might come out the better.. It’s much of a contest I’m afraid
All well and good but Russell Brand is still a pseud t**t.
Back when Russell Brand was a mindless leftard with a habit of talking over his intellectual superiors, I wrote the sonnet below. It bears remarking that I have a slightly less negative opinion of him these days.
Sonnet 78
Where to begin dissecting Russell Brand?
The matted rug’s quite Da’esh Caliphate.
Ditto the beard. The overactive glans
in God knows what kind of infectious state.
Creeping towards belated middle age,
the weeping winkie of this Peter Pan
has petered out, beset by phallophage.
May God have mercy on the ghastly man,
who can’t afford to put sleeves on his shirts.
Lo! On his mattress stuffed with last year’s pranks
this yahoo reeking worse than his own dirt
unglues his Bookywook and limply ouanks.
He says he wants a revolution. Well,
he’ll need a lot of antiseptic gel.
Back when Russell Brand was a mindless leftard with a habit of talking over his intellectual superiors, I wrote the sonnet below. It bears remarking that I have a slightly less negative opinion of him these days.
Sonnet 78
Where to begin dissecting Russell Brand?
The matted rug’s quite Da’esh Caliphate.
Ditto the beard. The overactive glans
in God knows what kind of infectious state.
Creeping towards belated middle age,
the weeping winkie of this Peter Pan
has petered out, beset by phallophage.
May God have mercy on the ghastly man,
who can’t afford to put sleeves on his shirts.
Lo! On his mattress stuffed with last year’s pranks
this yahoo reeking worse than his own dirt
unglues his Bookywook and limply ouanks.
He says he wants a revolution. Well,
he’ll need a lot of antiseptic gel.
No, it’s not ‘a plot to nab their farms’. But it is an opportunistic land grab enabled by flip-flopping agricultural policy.
No need here for a conspiracy and no need for ventilating about ‘conspiracy theories’.
No, it’s not ‘a plot to nab their farms’. But it is an opportunistic land grab enabled by flip-flopping agricultural policy.
No need here for a conspiracy and no need for ventilating about ‘conspiracy theories’.
Here’s my one suggested edit of this piece: “This *probably* isn’t a plot to nab their farms”
Here’s my one suggested edit of this piece: “This *probably* isn’t a plot to nab their farms”
Unfree societies, like the UK with its cancel culture and stifling of free speech need them even more! If you think I’m exaggerating just ask Gary Lineker!
Unfree societies, like the UK with its cancel culture and stifling of free speech need them even more! If you think I’m exaggerating just ask Gary Lineker!
Well you know what they say. The difference between a conspiracy theory and reality is about 2 years.
Well you know what they say. The difference between a conspiracy theory and reality is about 2 years.
Whenever i read the comments of a certain regular poster on Unherd the immediate visual image that comes to mind is Russell Brand.
Am i being unfair, and if so, to whom?
No. You’re not being unfair, Steve. I’ve seen enough comments from others here suggesting a change of tone, but it never happens…
Funnily enough, in the kid’s movie ‘Hop’, Brand plays the Easter Bunny, or ‘EB’ as he is known for short.
No. You’re not being unfair, Steve. I’ve seen enough comments from others here suggesting a change of tone, but it never happens…
Funnily enough, in the kid’s movie ‘Hop’, Brand plays the Easter Bunny, or ‘EB’ as he is known for short.
Whenever i read the comments of a certain regular poster on Unherd the immediate visual image that comes to mind is Russell Brand.
Am i being unfair, and if so, to whom?
Brand goes beyond questioning the motivation of the US government and arms manufacturers and endorses Russian imperialism in the Ukraine. He knows his clientele and what they want to hear.
.
…”endorses Russian imperialism”? Really? Brand? I’ve heard him say the direct opposite on several occasions. Perhaps in your simplistic way you inferred the latter from the former as so many do.. It is possible to condemn both sides for their wickedness and that is what I heard Brand assert time and time again. Maybe you weren’t listening properly?
.
…”endorses Russian imperialism”? Really? Brand? I’ve heard him say the direct opposite on several occasions. Perhaps in your simplistic way you inferred the latter from the former as so many do.. It is possible to condemn both sides for their wickedness and that is what I heard Brand assert time and time again. Maybe you weren’t listening properly?
Brand goes beyond questioning the motivation of the US government and arms manufacturers and endorses Russian imperialism in the Ukraine. He knows his clientele and what they want to hear.
Brand understands his audience much in the same way as Andrew Tate and Dr John Campbell. Truth is irrelevant, these guys are selling a channel, an experience and also even a lifestyle choice. The more absurd the claims, the bigger the impact and the more hits, likes and shares they get.
They’re not really mavericks or thinkers, they’re just peddling a product.
What I’d really like to do to Brand however is glue his hands to the desk.
And make him wear shirts with sleeves.
And make him wear shirts with sleeves.
Not sure why the downvotes, you’re absolutely correct.
I’ve no idea where you’re coming for. Brand, of course, is highly extroverted. John Campbell, on the other hand, is not, is very fair minded and very balanced. That John Campbell has evolved vis a vis the various covid mitigation strategies and has realized that the covid vaccines do in fact have a significant incidence of severe effects, can only be regarded as a good thing.
These folks have an online channel, an audience, which they make money from. They understand that audience and what they want to hear. It therefore matters not if the content they produce is factual, it merely has to entertain. This is how media such as Twitter, Youtube and Instagram works.
These folks have an online channel, an audience, which they make money from. They understand that audience and what they want to hear. It therefore matters not if the content they produce is factual, it merely has to entertain. This is how media such as Twitter, Youtube and Instagram works.
How can you compare Russell Brand to John Campbell? That’s the silliest thing I’ve read today – and the Observer is out this morning.
And Andrew Tate. As I said above, these guys have popular media channels and understand their audience, which is why they produce the kind of garbage that Monbiot was referring to. Conspiracies, the matrix, big pharma – it’s a quasi religious framework of them V us. And they all do very well out of it. Or did, in Tate’s case.
Do you know who else has a product to sell? Big Pharma. There is a a hell of a lot more money at stake then whatever Brand and Campbell make off their YouTube account.
So, are you saying that Monbiot works for no salary? Should Campbell and Brand et al forego any earnings from the many hours of work they undertake in order to present their programmes?
People really are so stupid don’t you thin ..they make such idiotic, unreasoned, groundless remarks and others uptick them as rabble!
People really are so stupid don’t you thin ..they make such idiotic, unreasoned, groundless remarks and others uptick them as rabble!
Do you know who else has a product to sell? Big Pharma. There is a a hell of a lot more money at stake then whatever Brand and Campbell make off their YouTube account.
So, are you saying that Monbiot works for no salary? Should Campbell and Brand et al forego any earnings from the many hours of work they undertake in order to present their programmes?
And Andrew Tate. As I said above, these guys have popular media channels and understand their audience, which is why they produce the kind of garbage that Monbiot was referring to. Conspiracies, the matrix, big pharma – it’s a quasi religious framework of them V us. And they all do very well out of it. Or did, in Tate’s case.
In any contest of who’s the biggest liar Brand would come very far down the list. I guess you’re just another gullible sucker for all that propaganda we are inundated with. No doubt you believe a Ukrainian yacht load of scuba divers blew up Nordstream2? ..and the US is defending democracy in Ukraine? ..and there really were WMDs in Iraq after all.. and the tooth faery is real!
What I’d really like to do to Brand however is glue his hands to the desk.
Not sure why the downvotes, you’re absolutely correct.
I’ve no idea where you’re coming for. Brand, of course, is highly extroverted. John Campbell, on the other hand, is not, is very fair minded and very balanced. That John Campbell has evolved vis a vis the various covid mitigation strategies and has realized that the covid vaccines do in fact have a significant incidence of severe effects, can only be regarded as a good thing.
How can you compare Russell Brand to John Campbell? That’s the silliest thing I’ve read today – and the Observer is out this morning.
In any contest of who’s the biggest liar Brand would come very far down the list. I guess you’re just another gullible sucker for all that propaganda we are inundated with. No doubt you believe a Ukrainian yacht load of scuba divers blew up Nordstream2? ..and the US is defending democracy in Ukraine? ..and there really were WMDs in Iraq after all.. and the tooth faery is real!
Brand understands his audience much in the same way as Andrew Tate and Dr John Campbell. Truth is irrelevant, these guys are selling a channel, an experience and also even a lifestyle choice. The more absurd the claims, the bigger the impact and the more hits, likes and shares they get.
They’re not really mavericks or thinkers, they’re just peddling a product.