Laura Gallacher’s own relatives fear the children’s author has been “totally brainwashed” by her husband Russell Brand, who was sentenced to more than a decade behind bars Monday for rape and sexual assault.
Gallacher, 39, has stood by Brand, 51, throughout his downfall, and sources close to her family said in a report published Monday that she remains convinced of his innocence despite the guilty verdict. The couple, who wed in August 2017, share three children: daughters Mabel, 9, and Peggy, 7, plus a 3-year-old son whose name they have not publicly revealed.
“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 same source expressed hope that Brand’s imprisonment might finally loosen his grip on Gallacher. “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 that Gallacher has been in shock since Brand was convicted last Thursday. The jury found him guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, while acquitting him of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. Brand had pleaded not guilty to all seven counts and denied every allegation against him.
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.”
Gallacher’s steadfast loyalty was on full display in the courtroom after sentencing. She told Brand, “I love you, I’ll be OK,”.
Her support appears to have carried legal weight as well. Judge Joel Bennathan specifically cited evidence from Gallacher when explaining why he did not consider Brand an ongoing threat to women. “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 in sentencing remarks.
Brand received 10 years and six months in prison for the crimes, which dated back years before his marriage to Gallacher. The “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” actor built a career on provocative comedy before pivoting to wellness content and conspiracy-minded broadcasting in recent years, amassing millions of online followers even as allegations against him mounted.
Gallacher has been a staunch defender of her husband throughout their nine-year marriage, and her presence at his sentencing marked the culmination of months of public support during his trial at London’s Southwark Crown Court. The children’s book author, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight herself, has nonetheless become a central figure in the case due to her unwavering belief in Brand’s innocence.
The split verdict — guilty on four counts, not guilty on three — has become a focal point for those questioning the outcome, with Gallacher apparently seizing on the partial acquittal as vindication. Legal experts note that such mixed verdicts are common in complex cases involving multiple complainants and historical allegations, reflecting the jury’s careful consideration of each charge on its individual merits rather than any blanket dismissal of accusers.
Brand’s sentencing brings to a close one phase of a scandal that has rocked British entertainment, though appeals and continued public debate seem likely. For Gallacher’s family, the priority appears to be her emotional distance from a man they see as controlling and manipulative, regardless of her current loyalties.
The comedian’s prison term ranks among the most severe handed to a British public figure in a sexual assault case in recent years, reflecting both the gravity of the convictions and the judge’s assessment of the circumstances.
Brand is expected to serve his sentence at a British prison facility, with standard procedures determining his initial placement.