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Russell Brand: Amy was a genius

London - Russell Brand has taken to his personal blog to talk about Amy Winehouse and addiction after her death on July 23.

The comedian and actor, who is married to Katy Perry, said he knew Amy Winehouse for years and thought "she was sweet and peculiar but most of all vulnerable."

While he knew her for many months before seeing her perform live, Brand described his first encounter with Winehouse's voice as "The awe that envelops when witnessing a genius. She was a fucking genius".

27-year-old Amy Winehouse was found dead in her apartment on July 23.

Brand explained his connection to Winehouse, writing "I was myself at that time barely out of rehab and was thirstily seeking less complicated women so I barely reflected on the now glaringly obvious fact that Winehouse and I shared an affliction, the disease of addiction."

Winehouse's battles with addiction have been widely covered by international media, more so than the talent of the 5-time Grammy winner.

Brand addresses the negative media attention in his post, saying "this ephemeral tittle-tattle replaced her timeless talent".

He also says her personal manner in conversations made him realise how severe her condition was. "Addiction is a serious disease; it will end with jail, mental institutions or death."

Furthermore the comedian called on the public to treat addicts as "not criminals, but as sick people in need of care". 

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