A resurfaced 2010 interview shows Russell Brand holding up a sign reading 'Obey' at Katy Perry during a joint appearance, months before the couple married. The footage, captured at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, has drawn renewed attention following Brand's recent prison sentence.
Awkward Exchange Caught on Camera
Speaking with a GMTV reporter, Perry and Brand were asked for their thoughts on the Academy Awards ceremony that night. As the comedian began to answer, Perry cut him off, saying: "You didn't watch it!"
As Brand attempted to make a joke before looking off awkwardly into the distance, the reporter quipped: "You just put him in it right now."
"I did watch the Oscars," the Get Him to the Greek actor said. Perry then noted: "I call him on his bulls***." Moments later, Brand can be seen looking at Perry and holding up a small sign that reads 'Obey'.
Controlling Behaviour Claimed
The moment has been described as both uncomfortable and disturbing. Perry previously described Brand as exhibiting "controlling" behaviour in their relationship, and the clip appears to support that view. When she calls him out for lying about the Oscars, Brand does not take it well, and his instinct goes straight to the obey sign, as if Perry needs to be put in her place.
With hindsight of Brand's crimes and prison sentence, the interview feels like more proof that the comedian was not able to take accountability, and it also shows that he had some archaic and problematic views about women at that time.
Brand Sentenced to Prison
Brand, 51, has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison. Days before, the disgraced star had been found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court.
Following a four-week trial, Mr Justice Bennathan told Brand he was a "sexual predator" who had told a "series of lies" and displayed "staggering arrogance".
It has also been reported that Perry is 'in talks' to make a Netflix docuseries about her "dark marriage" to Brand. From that resurfaced interview alone, she may have stomach-turning things to say, but after being told to 'obey' in 2010, she deserves to tell her own story on her own terms.
