Katy Perry Omitted From Russell Brand’s Rape Trial Opening

Russell Brand’s trial ends with conviction

Russell Brand, aged 51, received guilty verdicts for one instance of rape and three instances of sexual assault at the Southwark Crown Court in London on 6 November 2026. The four‑week trial concluded after a series of pre‑trial submissions and evidence hearings. Brand was acquitted of three other charges and is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday. The judge warned that a rape conviction can carry a life sentence.

Omission of Katy Perry from prosecution’s opening

Prosecutors had originally planned to mention Brand’s 2010 marriage to singer Katy Perry in their opening statement. However, Brand’s defence team filed objections, arguing that details of his personal life were unrelated to the allegations. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that the reference was removed. Perry was not approached for a witness statement during the police investigation, and she was not mentioned in the opening remarks.

Limited reference during trial

Perry was only referenced once during the proceedings, when Brand himself testified. He described the period of his marriage as one that helped him achieve “staggering fame.” No other evidence or testimony involved the singer.

Background on the relationship

The couple started their romantic relationship in 2009. The following year, they exchanged vows in a Hindu ceremony held in Rajasthan, India. The couple separated in December 2011 and finalized their divorce in 2012. The prosecution had considered mentioning these facts, but the defence successfully challenged their relevance.

Other excluded personal details

In addition to Perry, the defence also objected to the prosecution introducing evidence about Brand’s history of alcohol and drug addiction, his treatment at a sex‑addiction clinic, and his religious practices, including a 2024 baptism. The prosecution agreed to omit references to these matters. Although the testimony from former assistant Helen Berger was cut to remove mentions of his time at a sex-addiction clinic, the jury still heard her account of his sexual conduct.

Why it matters

The decision to omit personal details from the prosecution’s opening statement reflects the court’s focus on evidence directly related to the charges. The omission of Perry’s name and other personal history may influence how the jury perceives Brand’s character and the context of the alleged offences. The case also highlights the legal boundaries around the use of a defendant’s private life in criminal proceedings.

What happens next

Brand remains remanded in custody until sentencing on Monday. The judge has indicated that he will receive a custodial sentence of some length. No further court dates have been announced beyond the sentencing hearing.