Russell Brand’s wife, Laura Gallacher, has been “totally brainwashed” by him, her family claims.
Gallacher has stood by the disgraced British comedian’s side, even as he was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison Monday following his conviction on one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
Sources close to Gallacher’s family told the Daily Mailin a report published Monday that she believes her husband is innocent of crimes he’s been convicted of, and that Brand has extreme influence on her.
“Russell gets what Russell wants. He has that charm and swagger, and Laura is besotted with him,” a source told the outlet. “She goes along with what he wants, it’s like he has totally brainwashed her.”
The source said they are hopeful that with Brand behind bars, Gallacher might be able to get away from the alleged hold he has on her.
“This is her chance, if she wishes to take it, to start her life with someone far, far nicer than Russell,” the source said.
One family friend said Gallacher has been in shock since Brand was handed his verdict Thursday. While he was convicted of rape and three counts of sexual assault, he was found not guilty of two other rape charges and a count of attempted indecent assault.
The “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” star had pleaded not guilty to all charges and denied all allegations.
The source said of Gallacher, “She believes he’s innocent and is saying the split verdict proves that. He was cleared on three of the seven counts, which means the jury didn’t believe half the women — that’s Laura’s view.”
The children’t book author has been a staunch defender of her husband of nine years, and she showed her support in the courtroom for him after his sentencing.
She told Brand, “I love you, I’ll be OK,” according to Sky News.
She also helped influence Judge Joel Bennathan’s rape sentencing.
In sentencing remarks obtained by Page Six, Bennathan specifically pointed to evidence from Gallacher when explaining why there wasn’t enough proof to conclude he remained a future risk.
“Given how long ago these offences were committed and the evidence of your wife, I accept there is no sound evidential basis for me to conclude you pose a risk for the future,” the judge said.
Brand, 51, and Gallacher, 39, got married in August 2017. They have three children together: daughters Mabel, 9, Peggy, 7, and a son, 3, whose name they haven’t released.
The post Family of Russell Brand’s wife Laura fear he ‘brainwashed’ her — and are desperate for her to move on with someone else: report appeared first on Page Six.
