Though comedian Russell Brand was set to release a new book this December, the book’s publisher Blue Bird, has said that it is pausing its work with the actor in light of recent allegations.
Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/evarinaldiphotography/5622506846
The unpublished book, Recovery: The Workbook: A Practical Guide to Finding Freedom From Addictions was going to be a continuation of Brand’s 2017 self-help book, Recovery: Freedom From Our Addictions, which details a 12-step program for its readers. While Blue Bird has stated that it will not be publishing Brand’s new book for the time being, it has said nothing of Recovery: Freedom From Our Addictions, and the book is still available on its website.
Other publishers have also been questioned about the allegations posed against Brand, and many who have published Brand’s previous books like Revolution, continue to have the comedian’s works listed on their websites. For instance, Hodder and Stoughton, publisher of Brand’s first book My Booky Wook, has said that while it has no plans to work with Brand, it will continue selling My Booky Wook.
The allegations against Brand arose after a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatch, which claims that four women allegedly accused Brand of sexually assaulting them between 2006 and 2013. Brand has denied these allegations in a video online.
According to The Sunday Times, in 2020, one of the women tried to report Brand’s alleged behavior to his literary agent, Angharad Wood, a cofounder of Tavistock Wood. However, her attempts at contact were reportedly met with aggressive rebuke from Brand’s legal representation.
After being contacted by The Times about the allegations, Tavistock Wood has removed Brand from its website and catalog, claiming that the company has severed all ties with the comedian.
Conclusion
In light of the recent allegations, Brand’s career will be challenged in many ways and one aspect of this is his literary success. As tensions in the celebrity world grow and accusations of abuse continue to surface, publishers and press agencies are called upon time and again to act and reflect their ethics.