Katy Perry and Russell Brand's marriage lasted less than two years, ending when Brand sent Perry a text message on New Year's Eve 2011 to say he was divorcing her. Perry later described Brand as "controlling" and said he could not handle her success.
A Whirlwind Romance and Lavish Wedding
The US singer, 42, and English comedian, 51, got engaged just four months after their first date. They married in 2010 in a Hindu ceremony in India, with around 80 guests in attendance, including P Diddy, who is said to have performed at the Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel during the celebrations.
However, the marriage quickly soured. Brand ended things via text message 14 months after the wedding. Perry responded with a "bitter taunt" and sent Brand, a long-time vegan, a photo of a half-eaten McDonald's Big Mac. A source claimed at the time that Perry also wrote: "Mmm tasty."
Perry's Public Comments on the Split
In a 2013 interview with Vogue, Perry said: "He's a very smart man, and I was in love with him when I married him." She added: "Let's just say I haven't heard from him since he texted me saying he was divorcing me December 31, 2011."
Speaking about their initial connection, Perry continued: "At first when I met him he wanted an equal, and I think a lot of times strong men do want an equal, but then they get that equal and they're like, I can't handle the equal-ness. He didn't like the atmosphere of me being the boss on tour. So that was really hurtful, and it was very controlling, which was upsetting."
Documentary and Tour Details
In her 2012 documentary Part of Me, Perry was seen breaking down in tears after a row with Brand before going on stage. In one scene, she said: "I'm fighting to keep my marriage alive." A friend added: "She should be resting, but she wants to fly to wherever Russ is to show she cares. She's running herself ragged."
Perry later revealed that Brand could not handle her being a "boss" on The California Dreams Tour, where she played 124 dates and earned $59.5 million.
Brand's Reflection and Recent Events
On his podcast Stay Free, Brand said Perry was "not entirely normal, because she's an extraordinary, massive star - but she's not weird or off key" and "wasn't involved in anything nefarious, as far as I could tell." He added that the marriage failed for "the normal human reasons marriages don't work" and that he had "nothing but respect for her."
Brand was recently sentenced to over 10 years in prison following a rape and sexual assault conviction involving other women. At a hearing at Southwark Crown Court, his current wife Laura vowed to stand by him. Perry, meanwhile, performed at Blenheim Palace in July, telling the crowd: "I hope my ex isn't here [at the gig]. He should be in jail!"
