10 Katy Perry Controversies After Ruby Rose Sexual Assault Claim

Katy Perry has spent much of her two-decade career as one of pop music's most-visible stars, repeatedly topping charts and selling out world tours, but. in recent years. she has also faced public controversies.

From sexual assault allegations to debates over politics, culture and creative choices, scrutiny around the singer has intensified. Newsweek has reached out to representatives for Katy Perry for comment.

Here is a chronological breakdown of the major criticisms and disputes that have surrounded Perry, beginning with the most recent.

Ruby Rose Allegations and Renewed Scrutiny

In April 2026, Perry faced attention after actress Ruby Rose publicly accused the singer of sexually assaulting her in Melbourne nearly 20 years ago.

Rose shared the allegation in posts on the social platform Threads, describing the incident in explicit terms and stating it had taken her decades to speak out due to trauma.

Perry's representatives strongly denied the claim, calling the accusation “categorically false” and “reckless,” and suggested Rose had previously made similar public allegations against others.

Rose responded by disputing that characterization. The situation sparked widespread debate, while Perry did not personally comment beyond her team's statement.

Blue Origin Spaceflight Backlash

In 2025, Perry faced criticism after participating in an all‑female Blue Origin space flight. The short trip drew backlash from commentators who described the voyage as tone‑deaf during a period of economic strain.

Perry later wrote that the reaction left her feeling “battered and bruised,” saying online criticism had tried to turn her into a “human Piñata.”

She thanked fans for their support and said she remained focused on her tour and well‑being. Some public figures later apologized for contributing to the backlash.

Dr. Luke Collaboration Controversy

Perry's 2024 album rollout prompted significant criticism after she worked with producer Dr. Luke on her album 143 and the single “Woman's World.”

Dr. Luke has long been a controversial figure following sexual assault allegations made by Kesha, which he has denied. The two reached a legal settlement in 2023.

Fans and critics questioned Perry's decision to work with the producer, arguing that collaborating with him undermined the song's empowerment message.

Perry addressed the backlash on a podcast, saying Dr. Luke was one of several collaborators from earlier in her career and played a role in shaping the album's themes. She did not comment on the allegations directly.

‘American Idol’ ‘Mom-Shaming’ Criticism

In 2023, Perry was criticized after a comment she made to American Idol contestant Sara Beth Liebe, a young mother of three. Perry's remark about Liebe having “laid on the table too much” was interpreted by viewers as insensitive.

Liebe later posted a TikTok describing the comment as hurtful and embarrassing. Perry did not publicly respond to the criticism.

Political Backlash Over LA Mayoral Vote

After publicly supporting billionaire real-estate developer Rick Caruso for Los Angeles mayor in 2022, Perry faced backlash from fans who viewed him as politically contradictory to her earlier advocacy.

Perry shared photos from a polling station and later disabled comments on the post as criticism mounted.

Convent Property Legal Battle

Between 2015 and 2017, Perry was involved in a high‑profile legal dispute over the purchase of a former Catholic convent in Los Angeles.

The case centered on whether the local order of nuns or the Archdiocese of Los Angeles had the legal authority to sell the property, with Perry ultimately aligned with the Archdiocese, which the court ruled held clear title.

The prolonged court fight drew public attention due to its unusual circumstances and religious context. Perry eventually prevailed in the dispute, allowing the sale to proceed.

Cultural Appropriation Debates

Perry has repeatedly been accused of cultural insensitivity, including wearing cornrows in her “This Is How We Do” video and staging a geisha‑inspired performance at the 2013 American Music Awards.

In 2017, she acknowledged the criticism, saying she had learned from conversations with friends and activists, accepting she could not fully understand those experiences.

Purposeful Pop Era Backlash

Perry's Witness era marked a major shift toward what she described as “purposeful pop,” tying her music more closely to politics and activism.

Critics argued the messaging felt vague and disconnected from the songs themselves, with reviews describing the album as confused and unfocused.

‘American Idol’ Kiss Controversy

In 2018, Perry was criticized for kissing American Idol contestant Benjamin Glaze after he revealed he had never been kissed.

Glaze later said he was uncomfortable and was saving his first kiss for his first relationship, but he stressed he did not consider the moment sexual harassment.

Sexual Misconduct Claims Surface

In 2019, actor Josh Kloss accused Perry of physically exposing him at a party without consent. Shortly afterward, television host Tina Kandelaki alleged Perry touched her inappropriately and attempted to kiss her at an industry event.

Perry did not publicly respond to either claim at the time, and her representatives denied wrongdoing.

Newsweek's reporters and editors used Martyn, our Al assistant, to help produce this story. Learn more about Martyn.

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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 9:48 AM.