Russell Brand’wife, Laura Gallagherfound herself in a difficult place, after her husband’s conviction.
Brand was accused of rape, sexual misconduct, and assault by several women and was found guilty of multiple charges after a lengthy trial.
Following the unanimous guilty verdicts, onlookers and family friends have raised growing concerns about the emotional state of his devoted wife as she struggles with the aftermath of her husband’s conviction.
New details shed light on Laura Gallacher’s marriage to Russell Brand
An emotional Laura was led into a waiting carriage after her husband of nine years was convicted of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The heartbreaking sight led partners and social media viewers to question the true nature of her loyalty.
A former colleague of Laura’s father, Bernard Gallacher, said that Laura appeared more and more “hostile” to her husband’s legal problems.
Despite growing up in luxury, her family reportedly had doubts about her marrying the much older star.
However, friends noted that her protective father appeared in court with great concern for his daughter’s well-being.
“I think he doesn’t like the fact that he is [Brand’s] married to his daughter,” a friend noted to the Daily Mail.
Insiders noted that while there is no bad blood between Russell and Bernard, the latter is definitely “frustrated” by what his daughter is going through. Family insiders also reveal that those closest to the former art student are still focused on protecting herself and her children from the truth of Russell’s conviction.
The family are under ‘great hardship’ and her sister Kirsty regrets bringing in the couple
As well as the growing concerns following Laura’s emotional breakdown in the courtroom, details have emerged of how the disgraced star’s conviction is straining ties between the entire Gallacher clan.
Before the shocking allegations emerged, the couple had settled into a wellness-focused lifestyle in the Oxfordshire countryside. However, the reality of his criminal conviction for rape and sexual assault immediately sent Laura’s supportive family into crisis.
It is reported that her mother, Lesley, is desperately trying to keep the family grounded as she encourages Laura to pack up and move back to England with her three children.
Meanwhile, Laura’s older sister, former Sky Sports host Kirsty Gallacher, is said to be feeling guilty after introducing her younger brother to Russell two decades ago.
“Russell is now part of the family on Kirsty’s shoulders. They are a family that is under a lot of pressure at the moment,” said an insider.
Kirsty first showed public support for her brother-in-law by sharing her statement online. However, she quickly ditched it after facing backlash.
Therefore, Kirsty is now very focused on being under her sister’s protection. “Life with Russell was all about him. She got used to that. We hope God will change now,” explained a worried family friend.
Russell Brand was worried about going to jail
Before Brand’s guilty verdict, he opened up to his wife about feeling afraid of going to prison.
In a video clip shared on her “Sunday Service” podcast, Laura read a message from a loyal supporter assuring the comedian that faith would get him through any prison term.
However, he grabbed his wife on the shoulder, breaking in and admitting to her that the threat of locked steel doors really worried him.
“I don’t like things where it’s like you have to go to jail,” he said, as reported by The Blast.
While Laura offered a sympathetic response about the unpredictable nature of trial proceedings, the confession highlighted the anxiety Russell felt before his task.
Laura Brand opens up about past heartbreak while defending husband in court
Although Laura comforted Russell behind the scenes, she also openly addressed their marital challenges in court when she took the witness stand.
The 39-year-old mother of three described the beginnings of their romance to the jury. She recalled meeting the host at the Edinburgh Festival in 2006, and she remembered being instantly captivated.
However, she called off their romance in February 2007 after she discovered he was sleeping with other women. “I wasn’t interested in being in a relationship with him if he was sleeping with other people… he was clearly struggling to be monogamous,” Laura admitted.
Despite their painful separation, they finally found their way back together in 2015. In a testimonial, Laura highlighted his deep loyalty as “a very attentive husband” and insisted that their current family life is based on honesty and complete care.
Russell Brand’s father was shocked to learn of his son’s guilty plea
In addition to Laura, Russell’s support system also included his father, Ron. When the verdict was handed down, Ron made no attempt to hide his anger at the jury’s unanimous decision, as reported by The Blast.
He accepted the guilty verdicts of rape and sexual assault and expressed utter disbelief at the outcome of the trial, saying, “I didn’t expect this – it was wrong.”
He said he was “appalled and shocked” by the verdict, insisting it was unfair as the family prepared for the formal sentencing hearing on Monday.