Cancelled celebrities rarely stay out of the spotlight for long, and in the age of the internet, they have found new ways to monetize their notoriety. From brand deals and Cameo videos to rebranding as religious influencers or selling timeshares, disgraced stars are finding creative income streams. Here is a look at how some of the most infamous cancelled celebrities are making money now.
Russell Brand
Russell Brand, 50, once known for his explicit stand-up and roles in films like Forgetting Sarah Marshall and St Trinian's, has rebranded as a born-again Christian after a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary exposed allegations of rape, sexual harassment, and emotional abuse. He denies all wrongdoing. Now, he focuses on YouTube, selling a self-help book titled How to Become a Christian in 7 Days. His channel, once Labour-friendly, now promotes anti-vaccine skepticism and pro-Trump rhetoric. In 2023, when his YouTube was demonetized, Sara McCorquodale of CORQ estimated his channel could earn him £1 million per year if he posts five videos weekly. Fans can subscribe to his 'awakenings' for under £50 annually, supplementing his income from book sales and residuals.
Gregg Wallace
Gregg Wallace, former MasterChef co-host, left the BBC in 2024 after multiple accusations of inappropriate behavior and bullying. He now makes money through social media and Cameo, charging £36–£40 for personalized videos and £342 for business deals. He also launched 'Gregg’s Kitchen,' a 12-hour TikTok live cooking show. With over 10,000 followers, he likely earns from the platform. Wallace recently announced he is decluttering his home, relocating to Yorkshire, and spending five months a year in Italy homeschooling his son Sid.
John Leslie
Former Blue Peter and This Morning host John Leslie faced rape accusations in 2002, which were dropped, and later acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2017 and 2020. He now DJs as 'Johnny Sunset' in Praia da Luz, Portugal, and reportedly owns a property portfolio in Edinburgh worth over £7.2 million.
Kevin Spacey
Kevin Spacey faced multiple sexual misconduct allegations starting in 2017, which he denied. He was found not liable in one civil case and not guilty of nine sexual assault charges in London. Now attempting a comeback, he appeared at Cannes in 2024. His $5.6 million home was foreclosed, and his net worth dropped from $50–70 million to around $100,000. He has five upcoming indie films, including The Awakening: The Film They Don’t Want You to See.
Armie Hammer
Armie Hammer faced allegations of rape and abuse, which he denied, and was never charged. He left Hollywood, sold timeshares in the Cayman Islands, and attended rehab. His net worth fell from an estimated $150 million to $100,000. He launched The Armie HammerTime Podcast and appears in indie films like Night Driver. He denied cannibalism in a Louis Theroux interview.
Michael Barrymore
Michael Barrymore, once a top UK presenter, saw his career halt after Stuart Lubbock was found dead in his pool. He was arrested but not charged, and later sued police for wrongful arrest. He now has over 4 million TikTok followers, won a YouTube award, and released a tell-all memoir. He documents his travels and plans to move to Spain.
