Laura Gallacher Takes Stand to Defend Russell Brand at London Rape Trial

Laura Gallacher told a London court on Thursday that her husband, Russell Brand, is an amazing husband and a wonderful father. She appeared as a character witness during the rape and sexual assault trial that has been ongoing in the capital.

Gallacher has been married to Brand since 2017 and the couple shares three children. She described their relationship as honest, frank, and clear. She stated that she feels very seen by him.

The testimony followed Brand’s own appearance in court on Wednesday. The former actor and comedian told the jury that no one with relevant evidence agreed to testify on his behalf. He said his entire life has been consumed by the allegations and that he has devoted himself to the matter.

Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of attempted indecent assault. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case involves six female plaintiffs who have automatic lifelong anonymity under U.K. law. The alleged offenses occurred between 1999 and 2009.

Gallacher recalled meeting Brand in 2006 at one of his comedy shows. She was 19 and he was 31 at the time. They began dating but split in 2007. She noted that it was difficult for him to be monogamous during that period.

Brand later married Katy Perry in 2010, a union that ended in 2012. Gallacher said she did not see him during that marriage. The couple reconnected in 2014. She has been by his side nearly every day of the current trial.

During his cross-examination on Wednesday, Brand denied the claims and told the jury he is innocent. He admitted that some of his past behavior was wrong in retrospect. He said he recognized that he had been persuasive, seductive, and dedicated a lot of his life to what he described as reckless philandering. The jury is expected to start deliberating a verdict as soon as Tuesday.