Russell Brand ‘using Katy’

Russell Brand is "using" ex-wife Katy Perry for publicity, claims Perez Hilton.

The former couple's divorce was finalised earlier this month. Russell has since aimed a couple of digs at Katy, including claiming she gave him "ar*e-ache" during their marriage.

The British comedian made the remark while shooting his new TV show Brand X with Russell Brand.

"No it doesn't annoy me, I think he's being smart. He's using her for publicity for his show. It's a good tactic," Perez, who is a good friend of Katy's, told British magazine Closer.

Russell is now dating Isabella Brewster. Perez doesn't think the star is being particularly insensitive by striking up a new romance.

"Russell has a lot of issues with women. But I think he's been dating loads of woman because, at the end of the day, he's just a horny British guy!" Perez joked.

Katy is coping well following the high-profile split. Perez says his friend is keeping her head up despite the heartache that she felt for months.

"She's bounced back from the split completely. She doesn't even think about Russell anymore," he said. "Now she's just enjoying some much needed time off."