LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Russell Brand has yet again managed to make it to the headlines as an old clip of the popular English comedian and actor resurfaced amid his ongoing sexual allegations.
Russell, who is currently facing serious allegations of sexual assault by four women between 2006 and 2013, can be heard in the video lashing out against the pharmaceutical industry for profiting from the pandemic.
While appearing on the popular talk show 'Real Time with Bill Maher,' Russell came to the limelight after he accused the industry of capitalizing on the crisis, alleging that it had created at least 40 new billionaires while the American public gave these bills for vaccine development and research purposes only.
What did Russell Brand say during the interview?
During the interview, Russell highlighted pharmaceutical companies have gained enormous profits at the expense of taxpayers and the global community during the pandemic.
"The company created at least 40 new big pharma billionaires. Pharmaceutical corporations like Moderna and Pfizer made a thousand dollars of profit every second from the Covid-19 vaccine," he said.
"More than two/thirds of Congress received campaign funding from pharmaceutical companies in the 2020 election", Russell continued.
"Pfizer chairman Albert Bourla told Time Magazine in July 2020 that his company was developing a covid vaccine for the good of humanity and not for money and of course Pfizer made a hundred billion dollars in profit in 2022," he said.
Russell's words immediately connected with many viewers, echoing those who have questioned the ethics of pharmaceutical pricing and distribution.
The comedian's statements sparked a debate that has been ongoing since the early days of the pandemic.
Internet users react to Russell Brand's views on Covid-19 and pharmaceutical companies
One X user tweeted, "I love that Russell is willing to stand up to corruption but I feel this is independent of the other stuff going. At least I hope", while another wrote, "I’m sure this is part of it. He’s been speaking facts for years though."
"What about the manufacturing companies? The suppliers, while it does sound great to bring facts against one its better to also include how they spent on what to make that money. So the end results show how multiple parts made what they did in order to all bank in on it. So the medical field sending the nurses. How much do they make before they pay the nurse?", asked one user.
"That's a great point. It's definitely worth looking into", appreciated another user. "These 100 % facts," one opined.
