Just 24 hours after Russell was spotted sans wedding ring in London, with Katy 7,000 miles away with friends in Hawaii, the actor filed the papers this afternoon.
Brand personally confirmed the news, saying in a statement: "Sadly, Katy and I are ending our marriage I'll always adore her and I know we'll remain friends."
Katy Perry and Russell Brand
Brand cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split in the official divorce documents, filed in Los Angeles Friday. The couple married October 23, 2010.
The documents list "community property assets," which may indicate a lack of prenup, or one that does not account for all their earnings and other assets.
The news is surprising and yet not, given recent reports that the couple had been having problems and spending time apart, possibly following a massive fight.
He does not list a date the couple separated, but TMZ reports that Russell Brand may have blindsided Katy Perry by filing the divorce petition. Stay tuned.
[Photo: WENN.com]