Russell Brand isn’t dead — but the internet briefly thought he was

If you logged onto social media Tuesday and saw “Russell Brand dead” trending, don’t worry, the British comedian and commentator is still very much alive.

The confusion appears to have started with a post on X by conservative commentator Dan Bongino, who shared a tribute message alongside a photo featuring Brand and political activist Charlie Kirk. 

“There won’t be another. One of the saddest days of my life,” Mr. Bongino wrote. “He was just different. And everyone who knew him, knew it. May God rest your soul.”

The problem? Mr. Brand was prominently featured in the image, and Mr. Bongino didn’t specify who the tribute was about. That omission led many people online to assume the message was referring to Mr. Brand rather than Kirk. 

The post quickly spread, prompting some users to mistakenly believe the actor and comedian had died.

In reality, Mr. Bongino’s message appeared to be referencing Kirk, a prominent conservative activist known for founding Turning Point USA and for building a large following among younger conservative voters. 

The misunderstanding was made worse because many viewers didn’t recognize Kirk in the photo and assumed the tribute must have been directed at Mr. Brand. 

As rumors spread, others began posting variations of the claim that Mr. Brand had died, further fueling confusion.

But despite the brief internet panic, there has been no credible report indicating that Mr. Brand has died — meaning the comedian joins the long list of celebrities who have been accidentally “killed off” by social media rumors. 

Mr. Brand has also remained in the headlines in recent years because of serious allegations against him. In 2023, several women accused the comedian and actor of sexual assault and abusive behavior in a joint investigation published by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches. Mr. Brand has denied the allegations and said his past relationships were consensual.