English comedian and podcaster Russell Brand created one of the most viral moments at this week's AmericaFest, hosted by conservative youth group Turning Point USA. His on-stage remarks, which unexpectedly veered into his past marriage with pop star Katy Perry and her rumoured connection to former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, drew the loudest crowd reaction of the event.
"But Justin Trudeau?": Brand's Personal Revelation
While speaking about faith and personal transformation on Thursday, Brand shifted focus to his highly publicised divorce. He expressed enduring care for his ex-wife but could not conceal his disbelief over the speculation linking her to Trudeau. "Look, Katy Perry, I was married to her. I love her still, and I'm glad that her mom's in the room to hear me say this," Brand told the audience. "I was okay with Orlando Bloom, but Justin Trudeau? Come on, man! Don't put me in a category with that guy! That globalist stooge."
Brand clarified that his intent was not a personal attack on Perry. Instead, he used his signature blend of sharp humour and candid commentary to highlight how unexpected the situation felt to him. The crowd's roaring response confirmed his unique ability to intertwine jokes, political views, and intimate personal history.
The Backstory: Perry, Bloom, and Trudeau Links
Russell Brand and Katy Perry were married in a lavish ceremony in 2010, but their union was short-lived. Brand filed for divorce in 2012, citing irreconcilable differences. Perry later began a relationship with actor Orlando Bloom in 2016. The couple got engaged in 2019 and welcomed a daughter, Daisy Dove, in 2020. However, they called off their engagement earlier this year.
The rumours about Perry and Justin Trudeau gained fresh traction on December 6, when the singer posted photos from a trip to Tokyo on Instagram. The pictures featured Trudeau, sparking renewed speculation about their relationship status. Brand also referenced Trudeau's resignation earlier this year, having previously criticised the ex-PM's pandemic policies on his own podcast, labelling his use of "wokeism as a means to assert social control."
Broader Political Commentary at AmericaFest
Brand's speech was not limited to his personal life. He used the platform to engage with broader political discourse, pushing back against commentator Ben Shapiro's views. Brand emphasised the importance of dialogue with people holding opposing beliefs, citing his own conversations with conservative figures like Candace Owens and finding common ground in shared faith.
He offered a mixed review of former US President Donald Trump, praising him for performing "near miracles in office" while also criticising his lack of filter. Towards the end of his address, Brand credited Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, calling him an inspiration and revealing that Kirk had personally invited him to speak at the event.
While AmericaFest 2024 featured several prominent conservative voices, Brand's segment stood out distinctly. His willingness to merge private vulnerability with public political critique made for a moment that was both emotionally raw and deeply controversial, ensuring it became the talk of the event both in the arena and across social media.
