Russell Brand’s Wife Says Star Was “Caring” Lover At Time Of Rape Allegations

Russell Brand‘s wife has told a court that the Despicable Me star was a caring and considerate lover during the period in which he has been accused of rape.

Laura Brand took to the witness stand on Thursday at London’s Southwark Crown Court, giving evidence in support of her husband, who faces three charges of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one of attempted indecent assault.

The charges span a 10-year period from 1999 to 2009. Laura Brand told the court that she first met Russell in August 2006 after a gig in Edinburgh, and they began a sexual relationship a month later. Asked what kind of lover Russell was, Laura said he was “very caring” and went at “my pace.” She added: “I felt entirely cared for and looked after by Russell.”

The pair broke up in February 2007 after Russell was unfaithful. “I was not interested in having a relationship with him if he was sleeping with other people — it was really difficult for him to be in a monogamous relationship,” Laura said. “I was a little heartbroken.”

Riel Karmy-Jones, the prosecution barrister, pointed out that Laura was not in a relationship with Russell in 2009, when Complainant 5 alleged that she was anally raped by the Forgetting Sarah Marshall actor. Deadline has been reporting daily from a live video feed of the courtroom since the trial began.

Russell and Laura reconnected a decade later, marrying in 2017 near Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. They have three children together. Laura, who has been in court most days, described her husband as being “amazingly attentive” and “kind,” telling jurors: “I love him very much.”

Two of Brand’s ex-girlfriends also gave evidence through witness statements that were read out in court by a defense lawyer. One woman, who dated Brand between 1996 and 1999, said he was “gentle and loving.” The second, who had an open relationship with Brand from 1999, added: “He never engaged in an intimate act without mutual consent.” Both said he was promiscuous, with the second noting that “women would circle like birds” around Brand as he became more famous.

The prosecution and defense have now made their case to the jury. Closing arguments are expected tomorrow. The judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, expects the jury to begin verdict deliberations next Tuesday, November 3.