Katy Perry's past remarks about her marriage to Russell Brand are receiving renewed attention after the comedian was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison for rape and sexual assault. The resurfaced comments come from a 2013 interview, rather than a new statement from the singer about his conviction.
Speaking to Vogue following their divorce, Perry described tensions over her career and independence, saying Brand struggled with her position of authority while touring. She characterised his behaviour as "very controlling" and said it had been hurtful.
Perry also explained that she initially blamed herself for the marriage ending before learning something that changed her perspective.
"I found out the real truth," she told the magazine, without revealing what she meant. Her remarks did not identify the information or connect it to the offences for which Brand has now been convicted.
The couple married in India in October 2010. Perry later said Brand informed her by text message on December 31, 2011, that he wanted a divorce. Their divorce was finalised in 2012.
A 2010 red carpet interview has also resurfaced. In the footage, Brand holds up a small tag bearing the word "Obey" during an exchange with Perry about the Academy Awards. USA TODAY reported that the tag appeared to feature the logo associated with artist Shepard Fairey's Obey brand. The clip has prompted online discussion, although it does not establish what happened privately during their relationship.
Brand, 51, was sentenced at London's Southwark Crown Court on November 9 after a jury convicted him of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault against four women. Prosecutors said the offences occurred between 2004 and 2009, before his marriage to Perry. He was acquitted of two additional rape charges and one charge of attempted indecent assault. Brand had denied non-consensual sexual activity.
In a further development on November 10, AFP reported that police had received additional reports during the trial and after the verdict. Those reports are separate from the offences already decided by the jury.
