Russell Brand, Katy Perry to divorce

Originally published December 30, 2011 at 5:20 PM | Page modified December 30, 2011 at 7:12 PM

LOS ANGELES British actor-comedian Russell Brand is divorcing "California Gurls" singer Katy Perry after 14 months of what had appeared to be one of Hollywood's happier marriages.

"Sadly, Katy and I are ending our marriage," Brand said Friday. "I'll always adore her and I know we'll remain friends."

Brand, 36, offered no details, but in papers filed Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court, he cited irreconcilable differences.

He and the 27-year-old pop singer were married in October 2010 at a resort inside a tiger reserve in India, and their mutual affection had become a rather sweet feature of the celebrity circuit. The two have no children.

The couple announced their engagement in January 2010 after meeting at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, which Brand hosted and where she performed.

Perry praised her husband backstage at the 2011 VMAs in August, where she won three awards and he offered a tribute to Amy Winehouse.

"I'm proud of him, whatever comes out of his mouth, and sometimes it's very colorful, right?" Perry said of Brand. "That's why I married him, because he's smart and I learn a lot."

Attorneys for Perry did not respond to calls seeking comment.

Perry's run of No. 1 singles earned her the distinction of becoming MTV's first artist of the year this month. She hosted "Saturday Night Live" on Dec. 10 and gave no indication any marital woes.

Brand's recent film credits include "Arthur," "Hop" and "Get Him to the Greek." Brand and Perry were absent Friday from Twitter, where they often shared kind words for each other.