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British actor Russell Brand is under investigation for sexual assault allegations, leading some conservatives, including Tucker Carlson, to support him by suggesting that his right-leaning political beliefs triggered the investigation. Social media influencer Andrew Tate, currently awaiting trial in Romania on charges of rape and human trafficking, has also expressed support for Brand.
Straight Arrow News contributor Jordan Reid contends that resorting to accusations of political bias is a popular tactic for powerful right-wing figures hoping to divert public attention away from alleged crimes.
This is a theme as of late. High-profile, right-wing man does bad things. High-profile, right-wing man is called out on said bad things. High-profile, right-wing man’s cohorts jump to his defense, claiming that he has been targeted because of his political stance.
Look, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Brand’s outspoken conservatism and divisive views were what drew the level of attention that resulted in this investigation. But once again, the Right is trying to deflect attention from the issue at hand, which is that Russell Brand is a predator. The Right’s presumed presidential nominee has been indicted for frankly unbelievable crimes against both individuals and our country. But no, no, no, no, no, the real problem is Joe Biden’s age.
It is wild to me that a man who has admitted to his predatory behavior, who has written about it in his books, performed it in plain sight, and who is now being called out, is somehow becoming emblematic to certain figures on the Right. Forget about Brand’s political views — the man is a nightmare, and some of the most powerful men in the world are leaping to his defense. So it seems to me that the real issue here is that maybe, just maybe, there might be a link between toxic beliefs and toxic behavior, and that Brand supporters are looking for any excuse to pardon their own indefensible conduct. Just a thought.
