Russell Brand was reportedly fired from the Despicable Me franchise and replaced by another actor.
After facing a series of rape and sexual assault allegations in October 2023, Brand will not appear in the next installment of the Gru hit, sources told The Sun.
Fire was the subject of a Broadcasts uncovered last year in an investigation with The Sunday Times and The Times on Channel 4.
The documentary also describes in detail allegations of abuse made by four women, which he strongly denies.
Allegations were made against Russell Brand last year. (Photo: Mike Marsland/WireImage)
The 49-year-old previously voiced the character Dr. Nefario, a scientist in the animated series, but reports say he will now be replaced in the role by comedian Romesh Ranganathan.
The news of his dismissal apparently came as a “shock” to the Cockney comedian. A source told The Sun: “It’s a shock that Russell is no longer on the show. Despicable Me Films because he has been a fixture since the first film.
“Plus, when Romesh took on the role, there was little fanfare from Universal or the comedian himself. It feels like the film bosses just wanted to make a quick change without anyone really noticing.”
The latest installment grossed £590 million worldwide and £31 million in the UK following its release last month.
The film featured an all-star cast, with stars like Steve Carell, Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig and Miranda Cosgrove lending their voices to the main characters.
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Brand was reportedly dropped from the franchise. (Universal)
When the allegations against Brand came to light, he strongly denied them in a series of YouTube videos and during an appearance on Tucker Carlson’s show.
Brand said: “I utterly deny the allegations. I am aware that my very, very promiscuous nature has put me in an extremely vulnerable position.
“Attacks like this, which I accuse of the worst crimes, are very painful and hurtful. But the stupid way I lived in the past has consequences.”
Brand denies the allegations against him. (Instagram/russellbrand)
Alex Mahon, CEO of Channel 4, said in a statement at the time: “While the investigation found no evidence that Channel 4 staff were aware of Russell Brand’s alleged conduct on the show, the investigation did find that a former Channel 4 employee made a serious and concerning allegation against Russell Brand in 2009.”
“This was not escalated to Channel 4’s then senior management team, nor was it investigated as it should have been. On behalf of the organisation, I have apologised to the individual concerned for this incident and the distress this matter has caused.”
“I think it’s unfortunate for our industry that disgusting behavior has been tolerated in the past – and indeed shown on television.”
“Production workers, employees and suppliers must not experience inappropriate behavior at any time.”
LADbible has contacted representatives from Universal Pictures, Russell Brand and Romesh Ranganathan for comment.
If you have been affected by any of the issues described in this article and would like to speak to someone in confidence, call the Rape Crisis England and Wales Helpline on 0808 500 222, which operates 24 hours a day. If you are currently at risk or need urgent medical help, you should call 999.
