Justin Trudeau has reportedly chosen to remain publicly silent following Russell Brand's rape conviction, despite the former British comedian's history with the Canadian politician's girlfriend, Katy Perry. The former Canadian prime minister is said to be supporting the singer privately as renewed attention turns to her previous marriage and Brand's criminal case.
Brand, 51, was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison on Monday, 9 November after being found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court. The offences involved four women and took place between 2004 and 2009. He denied the charges, maintaining that his sexual encounters were consensual.
According to the Daily Mail, Trudeau has generally avoided discussing Brand, despite the comedian making disparaging remarks about his relationship with Perry. A source close to the couple reportedly told the publication that the former prime minister would support the singer if she decided to speak publicly about her marriage.
'Justin has generally stayed away from any talk on Russell, but if she brings it up, he is very supportive,' the source reportedly said. The insider added that Trudeau would allow Perry to decide how she wanted to approach the subject, including whether to pursue a book or documentary about her experiences.
Feminist Advocacy Meets a Difficult Celebrity Story
Trudeau's reported silence has drawn attention partly because of his public association with feminist advocacy during his time as Canada's prime minister. In 2015, shortly after taking office, Trudeau publicly identified as a feminist and made gender equality a prominent part of his political messaging. His government also introduced a gender-balanced Cabinet, with Trudeau famously explaining that the country needed a Cabinet that reflected its population.
However, his lack of public comment about Brand's conviction should not automatically be interpreted as a position on the allegations or the women involved. The reporting suggests that his approach has been to let Perry decide whether she wants to discuss her former husband.
The situation is also complicated by Brand's previous public criticism of the couple. Earlier this year, the comedian mocked Perry's relationship with Trudeau during an appearance on Megyn Kelly's programme, questioning her decision to date the former Canadian leader. Brand also referred to Trudeau as potentially being 'Fidel Castro's spawn', repeating a longstanding conspiracy theory about the former prime minister's parentage.
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Past Comments About Russell Brand Resurface
Meanwhile, Perry's previous remarks about her marriage to Brand have resurfaced following his conviction and sentencing. The singer married Brand in October 2010 during a Hindu ceremony in India. Their relationship ended the following year, with Brand reportedly telling Perry he wanted a divorce via text message on New Year's Eve 2011. Their divorce was finalised in 2012.
In a 2013 interview with Vogue, Perry described aspects of their relationship as controlling. She explained that Brand initially appeared to want an equal partner but struggled with her position as the person in charge during her concert tour.
'He didn't like the atmosphere of me being the boss on tour,' she said, describing the experience as hurtful and controlling.
Perry also said she had discovered what she called the 'real truth' behind their separation but declined to share further details. The singer was not called as a witness during Brand's criminal trial, and prosecutors did not rely on their former marriage as evidence. Reuters reported that Brand's legal team successfully argued against references to the relationship during the proceedings.
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Will Katy Perry Tell Her Story?
The Daily Mail also reported that Perry has been in discussions about potentially sharing her experiences through a book and documentary. Sources cited by the publication claimed that the singer had received offers to discuss her marriage but was reluctant to proceed while Brand's criminal proceedings remained unresolved.
The reported plans would allow Perry to revisit that period of her life on her own terms, although neither a book deal nor a documentary project has been officially confirmed.
Perry and Trudeau were first romantically linked in July 2025, following the singer's separation from actor Orlando Bloom. Their relationship has since attracted considerable media attention, with Perry describing Trudeau as the love of her life.
For now, neither Perry nor Trudeau has publicly addressed Brand's conviction. The former prime minister's reported position remains private support, leaving the singer to decide whether she wants to discuss her past relationship publicly.
