Actor and podcaster Russell Brand has become increasingly polarizing as a figure over time. While parts of his persona, like his inquisitive nature, have captured audiences, several recent controversies have limited the expanse of his reach.In the latest news involving the former comedian, Russell Brand reposted an alarming X post about the COVID vaccine. Originally posted by self-proclaimed Conspiracy Theorist (as per her X bio), Liz Churchill, the post is simply an image of a headline from 2023 that alleges the BBC could be held responsible for over 2 million deaths across Europe for failing to communicate the potential dangers involved with taking the vaccine. She accompanied the image with a short message: “Wow. This ended up being true.”When Russell Brand reposted Churchill’s take he added:“I’m not surprised. They are liars. I know this. We are covering it on the show this week.”There is no indication that the claim in the headline that the pair are referring to has any basis in reality. Although several casualties occurred as a result of vaccinations across the globe, there is no concrete evidence as yet to tie the BBC to such a large-scale cover-up.Russell Brand: Recent charges, moreRussell Brand’s recent hot takes can be seen as nothing more than a distraction, as he is currently in the process of combating some pretty harrowing allegations. The actor/comedian has been charged with rape, indecent assault, and s*xual assault for a series of incidents that are said to have occurred between 1999 and 2005. According to reports, there are a total of four victims.Once the formal charges were made public, Russell Brand took to X to post a video attempting to clarify his side of the story. In it, he makes sure to state:"What I never was, was a r*pist. I've never engaged in non-consensual activity. I'm now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court and I'm incredibly grateful for that."While the actor has pleaded not guilty on all counts, the Crown Prosecution Service believes there is substantial evidence that may ultimately aid in incriminate Brand, although at this point it is merely speculation.Russell Brand clearly has an uphill battle ahead, as even allegations of this nature can end careers in today's media climate. It is impossible to predict how this situation will ultimately play out, though the important part is that justice is served.For more on this story or other news, check out Soap Central.