Russell Brand’s wife Laura remains convinced of his innocence despite his conviction for rape and three sexual assaults, according to people close to her family who say they fear she has been heavily influenced by the disgraced former comedian.
Laura Gallacher, 39, attended every day of Brand’s trial at Southwark Crown Court, holding his hand as he arrived and left and taking notes while women gave evidence about alleged attacks.
Those close to her claim she rejected much of the evidence and is now determined to support an appeal. One family friend said Brand “has totally brainwashed her”, while stressing that the allegations reflected the concerns of those who love Laura.
Brand, 51, was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women between 2005 and 2009. He was cleared of two further rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Laura is said to have taken comfort from the split verdict, believing the acquittals showed that the jury had not accepted all the allegations. She was reportedly shocked and extremely upset when Brand was remanded in custody after the verdict.
“She believes he’s innocent and is saying the split verdict proves that,” a friend said. “He was cleared on three of the seven counts, which means the jury didn’t believe half the women – that’s Laura’s view.”
Family fears over Laura’s support for Russell Brand
Brand’s conviction has prompted concern among Laura’s relatives, who believe his charisma and influence have shaped her view of the case and their relationship.
“Russell gets what Russell wants. He has that charm and swagger, and Laura is besotted with him,” a family friend said. “She goes along with what he wants, it’s like he has totally brainwashed her.”
The source said Brand’s imprisonment could give Laura time away from his influence and an opportunity to reconsider her position. Laura is expected to remain in Britain while Brand serves his sentence, rather than return to the family’s life in Florida.
The couple have three children: Mabel, nine, Peggy, seven, and a three-year-old son whose name has not been made public. Laura’s parents and her sister, former Sky Sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher, are said to be rallying around her and the children.
Laura’s devotion to Brand has been visible in the couple’s religious-themed online programme, Sunday Service With The Brands, which features Bible readings, prayers and discussions about marriage and family life.
In a video recorded during the trial, Laura listened as Brand described the period as a “very, very unusual time in our marriage” and spoke about the need for “true justice”. She also described putting on her “armour” before attending court and said she felt the “presence of God” during difficult moments.
Brand, who now presents himself as a born-again Christian and has millions of subscribers to his spiritual YouTube channel, is said to have played a major role in Laura’s conversion to religion.
Her family’s concerns intensified as she appeared to become increasingly angry while listening to the women’s testimony. They believe she regarded the accounts as lies, although Laura has not been reported as making a public statement rejecting the verdict.
Further investigations are under way into rape allegations involving two other women, including a 16-year-old girl. The prospect of additional proceedings means relatives are preparing for Laura to continue supporting Brand.
Laura’s father, former golfer Bernard Gallacher, attended the trial. Her family is said to have been deeply affected by the case, with those close to them describing Bernard as heartbroken and saying the ordeal has taken a toll on Laura’s mother, Lesley.
Kirsty Gallacher is also said to have believed Brand was innocent. Friends say she had regarded him as a source of advice during difficult periods and feels guilty because her connection to him led Laura to meet him at one of his gigs when she was 19.
Laura and Brand briefly dated before reconciling in 2015, after meeting again on London’s Grand Union Canal. She later left the restaurant industry, wrote and illustrated children’s books and began documenting family life online.
Friends believe she could continue the couple’s religious programme alone, but say it remains uncertain whether Brand’s absence will alter her view of his guilt.
