Joe Rogan has been constantly attacked for his comments on COVID-19. Especially when he revealed that he contracted the virus and took the controversial antiparasitic drug, Ivermectin for treatment. The comedian blames CNN's "horse dewormer" narrative and is now considering a lawsuit.
It's such a delicate subject since there's been a surge in Ivermectin overdose due to false claims that it treats COVID-19 symptoms. However, the drug is not approved by FDA in treating coronavirus in humans or animals. No wonder Rogan is under fire for "Ivermectin praise".
But Russell Brand — a previous guest at The Joe Rogan Experience — has come to the podcaster's defense. The ex-husband of Katy Perry believes that Rogan is a victim of the "politicization of information."
Russell Brand Says 'Reporting Around Joe Rogan Is Deeply Cynical'
Brand has a self-titled YouTube channel where he teaches his 3.79 million subscribers "how to elevate our consciousness." He also talks about how religion, capitalism, and communism are all "dead." There, the self-proclaimed "awakened man" shared his thoughts on Rogan's Ivermectin debacle.
"Much of the reporting around Joe Rogan, for example, seemed to initially take the light that he had coronavirus," he said about the "little objectivity" and clarity on COVID-19 information. "[The media] kind of wanted him to suffer and was deeply cynical about the method of his treatment."
The English actor was very careful in sharing his thoughts on Rogan's use of Ivermectin. "As Joe Rogan said on his podcast, he did get better very very quickly, suggesting that at least in his case, the course of treatment that he took was effective," Brand continued. "But it oughtn't to be a political thing."
Brand said that "the sort of rise of authoritarianism in this subject, for [him], causes some concern." This includes the ongoing debate on vaccination wherein Rogan has also stirred some reactions. Brand said that what he'd like to see is "open, plain communication and individual liberty and freedom to choose what course of action you want to take."
Russell Brand's Own Covid Controversy
Brand may have quit making movies but he still has a fanbase that some see as a "cult in the making." A critic tweeted: "Brand also pushes covid denial BS now btw. glad those 'capitalist realism' royalties keep zero books afloat." Recently, the Forgetting Sarah Marshall star hosted a community gathering that netizens called out for being a "superspreading event."
The guidelines on Brand's "33 Tour" were labeled irresponsible by many disappointed fans. One of them wrote: "I barely survived Covid in March 2020 and you are preaching to fans about how to gain entry while unvaccinated and/or Covid positive so they can see you perform live? Good god... I now unfollow you, and pray nobody dies because of your lethal advice."
Media literacy writer, Nathan Allebach also tweeted: "[Russell Brand] is the perfect example of how populism can rot your brain into a wasteland of conspiratorial thinking. he’s always used language like 'the elites' and 'the establishment,' but since covid he’s gone full hippie [Alex Jones] under the guise of an impartial skeptic." And that's exactly what people find appealing about the "thought leader."