Russell Brand’s Wife Defends Him in Court

Russell Brand’s wife, Laura Brand, took the stand in his rape trial, defending her husband. In her testimony, Laura said that “I felt entirely cared for and looked after by Russell,” when they dated in 2006 and 2007, per Sky News. During the defense’s cross-examination, Russell’s lawyer, Ian Winter KC, asked Laura, “What is your view as to the truth of the allegations?” However, the judge barred that line of questioning because “she is not an expert witness.” The majority of Laura’s answers were instead about her relationship with Russell, whom she dated and broke up with in the 2000s, prior to them getting back together in 2015 and married in 2017.

Because the couple were together during the time that Brand is accused of raping women, Laura was asked about their initial split in the 2007. “When I met him I was aware that he liked women, and I was aware towards the latter half of that year that he was engaging with other women,” she said. “I was not interested in having a relationship with him if he was sleeping with other people.” She added that “it was clear it was difficult for him to be monogamous.” 

Russell Brand is charged with three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one charge of attempted indecent assault; the charges span ten years, from 1999 to 2009. Speaking of their relationship now, Laura was effusive. “We have a very honest, frank, and clear relationship and marriage,” Laura said. “Our relationship has always been [about] honesty.”