The nickname pop star Katy Perry reportedly used for her ex-husband Russell Brand has resurfaced after his conviction in court. Brand, 51, was found guilty of raping one of his fans and sexually assaulting three women during his showbiz career.
Appearing at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday (November 5), Brand learned that a jury found him guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The jury deliberated for eight and a half hours. He was cleared by the jury of two counts of rape and one charge of attempted indecent assault.
Brand's Conviction and Sentencing
Upon entering the dock, Brand told his wife Laura Gallacher 'I love you'. After the verdict, Mr Justice Bennathan said: "Sit down Mr Brand. Mr Winter, Ms Karmy-Jones, just on what happens next given the verdict on count six at least, obviously a custodial sentence of some length will result."
Noting that the case was 'very well prepared', the judge said that the sentencing hearing would take place on Monday (November 9).
The Nickname Revealed
Prior to marrying Laura, the daughter of former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher, in 2017, Brand was in a high-profile marriage to Katy Perry. The pair were married for 14 months between 2010 and 2011, with their divorce finalised in 2012.
One year after their divorce, Katy spoke to Piers Morgan at a Vanity Fair event in Washington, DC. Talk show host Piers wrote about the exchange in an opinion piece in The Sun this week, Yorkshire Live reports.
According to Piers, Katy told him that she found Brits 'so damn confident' and she adores them. She is reported to have said: "Trouble is, I find that irresistible. I love Brits... Well, not all of them - not Rasputin, obviously."
Piers Morgan's Reaction
Piers was taken back by the comparison between Brand and Rasputin, who he described as 'fiercely intelligent', 'sex-crazed', 'manipulative', and 'controlling'. Rasputin, who was a monk, is best known for his connection with the monarchy during the closing years of the Russian Empire.
Rasputin is remembered in history for being frequently intoxicated and philandering. He is believed to have influenced the royal family until his murder by royalists in 1919. This was the second assassination attempt made against him.
Piers claims that when Brand learned of the nickname, he was 'thrilled' by it. He alleged that Brand thought Rasputin a 'pretty powerful bloke' who could 'manipulate' people with his eyes. Describing Rasputin as a 'mad monk' with 'mythical powers', Piers said he was 'having it off with everyone, drinking and getting into fights'. According to him, Brand said he 'liked' the infamous figure, saying that he was 'all right'.
Katy's name was not mentioned in the prosecution's case. It emerged that prosecutors had intended to reference her when proceeding their case. In legal arguments presented before proceedings commenced, lead prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC outlined: "The prosecution recognise that matters post 2009 involving his relationship with Katy Perry may be sensitive, as may his previous faiths, and we are content to remove these from the opening."
