Russell Brand‘s marriage to Katy Perry was reportedly blocked from being mentioned in the prosecution’s opening arguments in his London rape and sexual assault trial following objections from the comedian’s legal team.
Brand, 51, was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault at London’s Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, following a four-week trial. He was acquitted of three other charges. The comedian, who denied all allegations of non-consensual sexual activity, is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday.
According to details of pre-trial proceedings made public after his conviction, prosecutors had planned to reference Brand’s relationship with Perry, whom he married in 2010. However, his defense successfully challenged the inclusion of the singer in the prosecution’s opening statement, arguing against introducing details of his personal life that were unrelated to the allegations.
“The prosecution recognise that matters post 2009 involving his relationship with Katy Perry may be sensitive, as may his previous faiths, and we are content to remove these from the opening,” lead prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC said in pre-trial submissions, according to a report from The Telegraph.
Perry was also reportedly not asked to provide a witness statement during the police investigation. Although her name was absent from the prosecution’s opening remarks, Brand himself referenced their marriage while testifying, describing the period as one in which he achieved “staggering fame.”
The former couple began dating in 2009. They married in a Hindu ceremony in Rajasthan, India, the following year, before separating in December 2011. Their divorce was finalized in 2012.
Brand’s defense also objected to the prosecution introducing evidence concerning his history of alcohol and drug addiction, arguing that none of the complainants had alleged he was under the influence during the incidents in question.
Testimony from Brand’s former assistant Helen Berger was also edited to exclude references to his treatment at a sex addiction clinic, although jurors were permitted to hear her describe his sexual behavior, including what she characterized as an “insane sexual appetite.”
Prosecutors additionally agreed to omit references to Brand’s earlier religious practices and his 2024 baptism. Brand has made his Christian faith a heightened focus of his public persona since the allegations against him emerged in 2023.
A representative for Perry did not immediately respond to Variety’s request for comment. Variety has also reached out to the Crown Prosecution Service for confirmation.