Katy Perry has spoken about her brief marriage to comedian Russell Brand, which ended after 14 months when he reportedly ended the relationship by text message. Brand, 51, was found guilty of one count of rape and three sexual assaults at Southwark Crown Court this week.
Marriage and divorce
The couple married in October 2010 in a ceremony at the Ranthambore Tiger Sanctuary in Rajasthan, India. Brand filed for divorce on December 31, 2011, citing "irreconcilable differences", just before Perry was due to perform during her California Dreams Tour.
In a 2013 interview with Vogue, Perry said: "Let's just say I haven't heard from him since he texted me saying he was divorcing me December 31, 2011." She also described feeling "controlled" during the marriage, alleging Brand was uncomfortable with her taking the lead while touring.
Perry's account of the split
Perry said: "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." She initially blamed herself for the breakdown but later said she discovered "the real truth", which she said she keeps "locked in my safe for a rainy day".
Brand later described Perry as an "amazing person" during an appearance on Running Wild With Bear Grylls: The Challenge, acknowledging their romance happened during a "chaotic" period in his life. The couple first met backstage at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards and began dating the following year.
Brand's conviction
Brand was convicted of raping a 21-year-old fan he met after a Hammersmith Apollo show, and of three sexual assaults between 2004 and 2009. He was acquitted of two counts of rape and one charge of attempted indecent assault. Judge Mr Justice Bennathan ordered he be remanded into custody ahead of sentencing on Monday (Nov 9).
Brand is now married to author Laura Gallacher, with whom he has three children. Gallacher, 39, gave evidence at the trial on October 29 and was in court when the guilty verdict was delivered. Perry has not issued an official public statement about the conviction.
