Katy Perry’s past comments about her brief marriage to Russell Brand have resurfaced following the comedian’s conviction for rape and sexual assault.
Among the revelations attracting renewed attention is the nickname the singer once used for her former husband, which carried an unsettling meaning.
Katy Perry also previously suggested that their separation involved more than the public knew at the time, as insiders now claim she is planning to reveal secrets about their “dark” marriage.
Katy Perry Once Gave Brand A Bizarre Nickname
Perry once referred to Brand as “Rasputin” during a conversation with British broadcaster Piers Morgan at a 2013 Vanity Fair party.
The conversation resurfaced through an account Morgan had written for The Sun in September 2023, in which he recalled approaching the singer about a possible interview.
When he asked why she was not ready to speak, Perry suggested that she was not prepared to reveal everything she knew or even confront certain truths herself.
The nickname referenced Grigori Rasputin, a Russian mystic whose influence over the family of Tsar Nicholas II made him a controversial historical figure. Morgan associated the name with characteristics such as “manipulative,” “controlling,” “fiercely intelligent,” and “sex-crazed,” making Perry’s choice of nickname particularly striking.
Recalling their conversation, Morgan said Perry had explained her attraction to British men before making an exception for her then husband. “You Brits are all the same, so damn confident… Trouble is, I find that irresistible. I love Brits… Well, not all of them – not Rasputin, obviously,” she told him, per News24.
Morgan later shared the nickname with Brand, who appeared to embrace the comparison rather than take offense.
The actor said, “GRIGORI RASPUTIN! He was a pretty powerful bloke; he could manipulate folks with his eyes. I like Rasputin… he was all right, wasn’t he… a mad monk with magical, mystical powers, having it off with everyone, drinking and getting into fights.” Morgan recalled that they both laughed about it at the time.
Russell Brand Was Found Guilty Of Rape And Sexual Assault
Brand, 51, was convicted in London on November 5 of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women. The verdict followed a three-week trial, with the jury finding him guilty of the four offenses. He was also acquitted of two rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police addressed the outcome, praising the women who came forward. He described the conviction as “a testament to the extraordinary courage, resilience and determination of the women who came forward and reported what happened to them.”
Furphy also made a statement about Brand’s public standing and the allegations against him, saying, “Brand used his influence, status and fame to exploit and sexually offend against women. As his profile grew, so too did his sense of entitlement.” Brand was denied bail and is due to be sentenced on November 9. Judge Joel Bennathan indicated that he could face a “significant” prison term.
Throughout the proceedings, his second wife, Laura Gallacher, remained supportive. The couple shares three children, and she previously described him in court as a “wonderful father and husband.” Shortly before the verdict was delivered, Brand turned toward her and said, “Laura, I love you.”
Brand also revisited his relationship with Perry during an April 22 appearance on “The Megyn Kelly Show.” Speaking about their short-lived marriage, he accepted responsibility for the way he handled the relationship, admitting, “I didn’t handle that marriage very well.”
The actor explained that he entered the marriage with personal insecurities, believing that being with someone as successful as Perry might make him feel more confident.
He acknowledged that, “It was my fault. I pushed to get married early because I felt inadequate and insecure and that I wasn’t enough and that if I was married to her, I’d somehow be a better person and more important.”
Brand also reflected on the pressure he placed on the singer, who was building her career at the time. He said he had viewed her success as something that could make him feel more significant, adding, “I wanted to grab her like this kind of, ‘There, got it.’ I felt like I was inadequate and not enough on my own.”
Despite his criticism of his own behavior, Brand spoke positively about Perry’s character and work ethic. He described her as “a very beautiful person” who was “incredibly driven and worked really, really hard.” He also acknowledged that he placed an “unnecessary amount of pressure and strain” on her during their marriage.
The Popstar Previously Described Russell Brand As Controlling
Perry had offered another account of the relationship in an interview following their 2012 divorce. Her comments, which have resurfaced after Brand’s conviction, suggested that their different expectations within the marriage contributed to its breakdown.
She recalled that Brand initially appeared to want a partner who could match him, but his attitude changed when she took on that role.
“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 equalness,” the singer explained, per Yahoo Life.
She also recalled that Brand was uncomfortable with her position during her tours, saying, “He didn’t like the atmosphere of me being the boss on tour.”
Perry described his behavior as “very controlling,” adding that the experience was deeply upsetting for her.
Katy Perry Plans To Spill Secrets About Her Dark Marriage To Russell Brand
Perry admitted that she initially blamed herself for her marriage with Brand ending. However, she suggested that there were details about their separation she had chosen not to reveal publicly.
The singer later explained that she eventually stopped holding herself responsible for what happened, saying, “I let go, and I was like: This isn’t because of me; this is beyond me.”
Her remarks have attracted renewed attention following Brand’s conviction. Sources have also claimed that Perry is considering spilling all the secrets about her dark marriage to the comedian, which she kept hidden.
Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, an insider said, “Katy has received multiple offers over the years to tell her story but would not consider anything until after the trial.”
The source added that there is so much about the former couple’s marriage that has yet to be made public, noting, “It was a very dark period in her life.”
