Russell Brand's Wife Defends His Character

Russell Brand finally has someone testifying on his behalf. His wife, Laura Brand, told a London jury on Thursday that he is "caring, kind and a wonderful father" and an "amazingly attentive husband," reports the BBC and the Guardian. Her celebrity husband has pleaded not guilty to seven charges including rape and sexual assault involving six women between 1999 and 2009. On Thursday, the 39-year-old Laura Brand said the two first met in 2006 and dated briefly. Testifying at Southwark Crown Court, she said Brand, who is 12 years her senior, "absolutely" respected her wishes sexually.

Describing his treatment of her, she said: "Very caring, totally at my pace. I was not experienced, I had only had one partner before Russell, and I felt entirely cared for, and looked after by Russell." She said she didn't want a relationship at the time because it was clear Brand struggled with monogamy. Women were "circling" him "like birds" when he appeared in public, she recalled. The pair reconnected years later and married in 2017. "We have a very frank, honest, and clear relationship and marriage," she said. "It is one of the most important parts of our marriage, and our relationship has always been honest." Russell Brand testified a day earlier that he had been promiscuous but views consent as "fundamental." The jury is expected to begin deliberations on Tuesday.