Laura Gallacher is said to be in complete and "absolute denial" over the true nature of her husband, Russell Brand, even after he was found guilty of rape and jailed for over 10 years.
The 39-year-old, who has been married to the disgraced comic since 2017, proudly stood by his side throughout the four-week trial, as they put on a united display, walking in and out of Southwark Crown Court holding hands. Following his immediate remand and subsequent formal sentencing on Monday (November 10), behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings analysed the mental state of the mother of three.
Psychologist's analysis of denial
During an appearance on GB News, she stated: "She isn't the first, and she won't be the last woman to stand by her man under the most horrific of situations; we know that.
"There is a psychological theory called unconditional regard; that means you love somebody absolutely unconditionally, you believe them, that love equals loyalty, and that loyalty actually ends up being complicity."
In her verdict, Jo told presenter Patrick Christys: "They've been married less than 10 years; his abuse goes further back than that; she may think he's found religion, he's been redeemed, he's a different man than he was back in the day, he's a good father, he's a good husband.
"She's got that unconditional regard; she's in absolute denial that he could've been that person," the psychologist claimed. Jo added: "Seemingly, it remains to appear so, even after today."
Denial and belief in her husband
After being asked about the bombshell statement from Russell's father, Ron, who suggested the actor is the real victim, the GB News guest claimed that Laura could also be clinging to the same belief.
"I think it's a case of being in that denial and truly believing him," she continued. "We know he's a very persuasive communicator; you could call him a manipulator in a lot of ways.
"He's certainly managed to fool the public for many, many years; his outward persona was simply that. It had nothing to do with his personal life."
Jo said: "She may have that unconditional love for him... that she genuinely believes him. She seems at the moment to believe there's been a miscarriage of justice, even though some of those witness statements were just horrific."
Sentencing details
On Thursday (November 5), Russell was found guilty by a jury following a four-week trial and additionally acquitted of two other rape counts and one count of attempted indecent assault.
He was sentenced to serve nine years for the rape count, with the addition of 18 months for the sexual assault counts. Russell received reductions for mitigating factors, including no significant prior convictions, the passage of time, and prior work with addiction support.
The 51-year-old must serve two-thirds of his total sentence in prison before being eligible for release on license.
