Russell Brand's father-in-law, golfing legend Bernard Gallacher, previously "begged" his daughter Laura to end her relationship with the comedian, according to the Daily Mail. The claims have resurfaced as Brand faces trial on counts of sexual assault and rape.
Concerns over age gap
Bernard was said to have "concerns" about the 12-year age gap between Brand and Gallacher, with the comedian in his 30s and Gallacher 19 when they met. Mail Online reported in 2023 that Bernard "implored" Laura not to worry Brand at the time of their relationship, and was "delighted" when they split in 2007.
He was also said to be "surprised" when the pair got back together and married. A source close to the family stated at the time: "Bernard is a very strait-laced guy, with no side to him. So in that sense, he and Brand are chalk and cheese."
Support during trial
Both Bernard and Laura have been backing Brand during his trial, where he faces three counts of rape, three of sexual assault and one of attempted sexual assault in allegations going back to 1999. The former golfer was seen outside Southwark Crown Court on Monday with Brand and his daughter in a public show of support.
Laura has appeared as a character witness for the comedian, telling the court Brand is an "amazingly attentive husband" and a "kind and wonderful father" to their three children together. She added: "I felt entirely cared for and looked after by Russell."
Relationship history
Gallacher also told the court that she and Brand ended their relationship in 2007 as he "found it difficult to be monogamous". She said: "When I met him I was aware that he liked women, and I was aware towards the latter half of that year that he was engaging with other women. I wasn’t interested in having a relationship with him if he was sleeping with other people."
The pair eventually rekindled their romance in 2015 and tied the knot in 2017. Laura was initially introduced to Brand in 2007, when she was a teenager and he was 30, through her elder sister Kirsty Gallacher, a former Sky Sports broadcaster.
