Katy Perry's Ex-Husband Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Sex Crimes

Judge: "His fame shielded his crimes"
Convicted of sex crimes against four women

British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term on charges of rape and sexual assault. The court said he was a sexual predator who had used his fame to continue his crimes.

According to AFP on November 9, local time, Southwark Crown Court in London sentenced Brand to 10 years and six months in prison that day.

British actor and comedian Russell Brand. AFP, Yonhap News

Court: "His fame protected him"

Last week, a jury found Brand guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault against four women between 2004 and 2009.

Judge Joel Bennathan said Brand had "behaved with astonishing arrogance and treated his victims with contempt." Judge Bennathan said, "About 20 years ago, the defendant was starting to become famous. He was intelligent and was seen by many as funny and charismatic. But he was already a sexual predator."

Brand's wife, Laura Gallacher, slumped forward in the public gallery as she heard the sentence that day. The couple have three children.

Victims: "We felt powerless against his fame and influence"

Brand's crimes came to light in 2023 following reports by journalists at The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4's investigative current affairs program "Dispatches."

According to prosecutors, Brand's offenses took place between 2004 and 2009, and his victims were fans or broadcast workers. Prosecutors said Brand had exploited women and committed sexual offenses by using his influence and fame.

The court found Brand guilty of sexually assaulting three people, including employees of MTV, Channel 4 and Capital Radio, and raping one fan.

A woman who was assaulted at a pub in London in 2004 said she had suffered "psychological trauma." She told the court, "As his popularity grew, I couldn't avoid seeing him everywhere in the media. The disgusting things he did to women were celebrated as if they were jokes."

Another victim was a 21-year-old fan who was raped by Brand after attending one of his performances in 2009. She testified that she thought "no one would believe me" even if she reported it. She added, "His fame, wealth and influence created a power imbalance, and I felt like I had no power at all."

Brand was acquitted of two other rape charges and one charge of attempted sexual assault brought alongside the convictions. However, London police said they were conducting a further investigation into Brand after two more women alleged that they had been raped.

The fall of the star who was married to Katy Perry... Media industry also faces calls to take responsibility

Brand, who appeared on programs for British broadcasters Channel 4, MTV and BBC Radio 2, among others, was known for his outspoken remarks. After a brief marriage to U.S. pop star Katy Perry in 2010, he also made it in Hollywood.

Growing calls are being made to hold broadcasters and the media industry accountable for featuring Brand on their programs and supporting his career. British Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said that powerful men in the media industry continue to exploit women, and that the case should serve as a wake-up call.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.