Most conservatives don’t want firebrands like Alex Jones and Andrew Tate kicked off social media platforms.
That’s not the same as supporting their extreme views.
Jones’ initial claim that the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting never happened cost him more than $1 billion. That controversy kicked him off most social media platforms, in addition to his legal woes.
He’s now back on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, and few conservatives want him removed anew.
Tate remains a similarly corrosive figure. The former kickboxer’s misogyny is no secret. He’s been accused of sex trafficking and child rape, and he leans into his corrosive image on social media and interviews.
He has strenuously denied all charges, claims he says are part of a cultural witch hunt.
He’s also unabashedly on the Right, embraces President-Elect Donald Trump and holds views in line with many right-of-center souls.
The trouble began when conservative influencer Benny Johnson booked Tate on his program last week. Johnson teased the chat with an image of him donning sunglasses a la Tate.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Andrew Tate will join The Benny Show LIVE tomorrow to discuss Trump’s political persecution + New York City show trial sentencing and the Political Future of Top G.
Tune in at LIVE 11:00am ET pic.twitter.com/mTwu39u8pZ
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 9, 2025
Other conservative figures who previously rolled out the red carpet for Tate include Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens.
The Johnson interview avoided tough questions or Tate’s statements about mistreating women. Tate referenced “jokes” he told a decade ago that no longer reflect his views during the conversation in his defense.
He didn’t specify said comments.
Otherwise, it was a chummy affair. That rankled many conservatives on X, which got the attention of Russell Brand. The socialist turned right-leaning provocateur defended the interview and, to an extent, Tate.
Like all controversial characters (and I know a lot of people see me as one), @Cobratate likely represents ideas and traits that have value, even if they’ve said some crazy stuff in the past (which I know I’ve also done). pic.twitter.com/E3SLWVnub5
— Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) January 10, 2025
“He’s a pretty sharp person, an intelligent communicator and he represents some values that are impressive and important and have perhaps been too easily dismissed,” Brand said in a video he shared on X regarding Tate.
Podcaster Shannon Joy was one of many to pounce on Brand’s comments and quasi-Tate endorsement.
— Shannon Joy (@ShannonJoyRadio) January 10, 2025
Others joined in.
What about if he’s prostituted women? Or promotes breaking their cheekbones? Or whips them with belts? Are we chalking that up to being a “controversial character”?
Christians should condemn his actions/words and call him to repentance. Please seriously pray about this.
— Tara Lynn Thompson (@TaraLynnSays) January 11, 2025
Some defended both Brand and Tate, but they were in the minority. Others shared damning videos of Tate bragging about how he mistreats women for profit and pleasure.
Brand has been open about his conversation to Christianity. He’s confessed to having behaved poorly in the past. He’s been repentant, full stop, something that doesn’t appear to be part of Tate’s persona.
“[Tate] does say some stuff that’s pretty out there,” Brand admitted in another video shared on X. That one earned a Community Notes update with chilling details and accusations.
Whatever you think of @Cobratate, he appeals to a lot of people, and he’s a vessel for a lot of ideas that cannot be repressed and need to be discussed. pic.twitter.com/N2tbWmjSQc
— Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) January 10, 2025
Brand has been accused of sexual assault from incidents dating back to the early days of his fame. He has repeatedly proclaimed his innocence.
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