Russell Brand addresses ex-wife Katy Perry’s sexual assault allegations

Russell Brand had a shocking reaction to the recent sexual assault allegations against his ex-wife, Katy Perry.

Appearing on the Megyn Kelly Show on Wednesday, April 23, the comedian and former actor — who is also currently battling rape and assault allegations in UK courts — attempted to make light of actress Ruby Rose’s claim that Perry assaulted her 20 years ago.

“I must say I feel a good deal of sympathy with the recent allegations around Katy,” Brand began, noting that while he hasn’t spoken to Perry since he filed for divorce in 2011, he is still in touch with her parents.

“I read about that…. This is probably the old-school man in me — I don’t even hear the crime there. What happened? I can’t even hear where it is. Like, someone would have to poke me with a stick, like, ‘There, that’s the bit. There’s the crime.’”

Kelly interjected by emphasising that no young woman wants to have another’s genitals in their face, after which Brand acknowledged that it would indeed be assault.

The allegations surfaced on April 12, when Rose alleged in a social media post that Perry assaulted her during a night out in Melbourne, Australia, 20 years ago.

The Orange is the New Black alum claimed that she was “resting” on her best friend’s lap when Perry “pulled her underwear to the side and rubbed her disgusting vagina on my face.”

Perry has denied the allegations, although a criminal inquiry has been launched against her by the Australian police.