Russell Brand is reportedly in panic mode after new footage of him and hip-hop mogul Diddy allegedly surfaced online. Rumors suggest the footage, referred to as a “Freak Off tape,” is being shopped around, potentially exposing private moments between the two celebrities.

The controversy has sparked intense speculation, especially considering Brand’s vocal anti-establishment persona, built on calling out elites and exposing corruption. His silence regarding Diddy, however, is raising eyebrows, given their long-standing friendship, which dates back to Brand’s early Hollywood days. Despite Brand’s image as a truth-teller, the resurfacing of this footage threatens to unravel the carefully curated image he’s presented to his followers.

Reports indicate that the duo first became close during the filming of the 2010 movie Get Him to the Greek, where Diddy played an exaggerated version of himself, and Brand portrayed a rockstar. The pair’s relationship grew, with Diddy reportedly acting as a mentor figure to Brand, and they were often seen together at parties, including Diddy’s infamous “White Parties.”

Brand has previously joked about his inability to say “no” to Diddy, describing situations where he felt compelled to fulfill favors for the music mogul. In one interview, Brand humorously explained the pressure he felt in Diddy’s presence: “Say that you don’t want to do something, and Diddy does want you to do it, it’s really hard to not do that thing.”

What makes the current situation more troubling is the resurfacing of footage allegedly showing the two on a private jet to Las Vegas, with Diddy joking about a “48-hour date.” Diddy is heard saying that they wouldn’t stop their Vegas escapades until someone ended up in the hospital, a statement that now seems unsettling in light of the rumors surrounding the “Freak Off tape.”

While Brand hasn’t publicly commented on the emerging allegations, his history has been far from spotless. He’s faced multiple accusations of misconduct in the past, ranging from inappropriate comments to serious allegations of assault. As more details emerge, questions are swirling around how this latest scandal will impact Brand’s career and reputation, especially given his recent pivot into online wellness and anti-elitism.

For now, the entertainment industry is holding its breath as the rumors continue to spread, and all eyes are on Brand as he navigates what could be the most significant scandal of his career.