Katy Perry has made waves in the music industry for years, but her actions off-stage have been raising serious questions. From inappropriate behavior with fellow celebrities to controversial comments, Perry’s past is coming under scrutiny once again. As she makes her return to music, it’s impossible to ignore the pattern of questionable conduct that has followed her throughout her career. Let’s break down some of the most troubling moments and why they cannot be overlooked.
Inappropriate Behavior Towards Shawn Mendes
One of the most recent incidents that raised eyebrows involved Katy Perry grabbing Shawn Mendes’ butt during an interview on the iHeartRadio red carpet. While some may chalk it up to playful behavior, many fans and critics pointed out the clear double standard. If a male celebrity had touched a female star in the same way, it would have sparked outrage. Mendes, who had never met Perry before, was visibly uncomfortable and shocked by the gesture. He laughed it off, but it was clear that this behavior was unprofessional and inappropriate.
This situation highlights a concerning pattern where Perry’s actions, if reversed, would likely have been labeled as sexual harassment. Yet, because she is a woman, her behavior is often dismissed. This double standard is something we must address, as it perpetuates a culture where certain actions are excused based on the celebrity’s gender.
The Kissing Incident with Benjamin Glaze
Another disturbing moment came when Katy Perry kissed Benjamin Glaze, a 19-year-old contestant, during an audition for American Idol. Glaze had shared that he had never kissed a girl before, making this his first kiss. Rather than respecting his boundaries, Perry took it upon herself to kiss him without consent. This left Glaze feeling violated and uncomfortable, especially since he had hoped for his first kiss to be special.
If the situation had been reversed—if a male judge had kissed a female contestant without permission—it would have been met with serious backlash. Yet, when it’s Katy Perry, many seem to overlook the importance of consent and respect for personal boundaries.
Humiliating Josh Kloss
Katy Perry’s behavior towards her colleagues has also been called into question. Josh Kloss, who starred in Perry’s Teenage Dream music video, accused her of pulling down his pants at a roller skating rink in front of a crowd, exposing his private parts. This public humiliation left Kloss feeling embarrassed and violated. He also claimed that Perry called kissing him “gross” on set, further adding to the discomfort he experienced working with her.
Kloss’s allegations are deeply troubling, especially because he was not given the chance to speak out at the time, likely due to legal pressure from Perry’s team. His account sheds light on a pattern of disrespectful behavior that Perry has displayed toward the men she interacts with, both personally and professionally.
Cultural Insensitivity and Past Controversies
Katy Perry has also faced accusations of cultural appropriation and insensitivity over the years. One of the most notable examples is her 2019 shoe line, which was criticized for resembling blackface. This was not the first time Perry had faced backlash for cultural appropriation. In the past, her performances, like the controversial Geisha performance at the American Music Awards, have sparked outrage for misrepresenting cultures in a disrespectful manner.
In addition to her cultural missteps, Perry has also made several distasteful comments about other celebrities. For instance, her jokes about Britney Spears’ mental health struggles were widely criticized for lacking empathy. As a fellow public figure, one would expect Perry to show more compassion toward her peers, but instead, her comments seemed dismissive and insensitive.
The Pizza Throwing Incident
In another bizarre moment, Katy Perry made headlines for throwing a slice of pizza into a crowd during an American Idol episode. The slice bounced off someone’s hands and landed on the floor, which led to criticism for being wasteful and disrespectful. While some might find this behavior childish and inconsiderate, others saw it as an example of how celebrities can sometimes disregard their fans and colleagues in favor of attention-seeking stunts.
The Double Standards
What all of these incidents have in common is the lack of accountability. There’s a glaring double standard when it comes to how male and female celebrities are treated for similar behaviors. If a male celebrity had engaged in the same actions—grabbing someone’s butt without consent, kissing a contestant without permission, or publicly embarrassing a colleague—the reaction would have been swift and severe. Yet, with Perry, these actions are often brushed off, and she is allowed to continue her career without facing the same level of scrutiny.
Conclusion: A Call for Accountability
Katy Perry’s behavior is problematic, and it’s time we stop excusing it. Whether it’s grabbing someone’s butt without permission, kissing a contestant uninvited, or humiliating her colleagues, Perry’s actions have crossed boundaries too many times. As she makes her return to the music scene, it’s important to hold her accountable for her past actions and ensure that respect and consent are prioritized.
Celebrities like Perry have immense influence, and it’s essential for them to set a positive example for their fans. While it’s clear that Perry is talented and has contributed greatly to the music industry, she must also be held responsible for the way she treats others. We need to ensure that no one is allowed to get away with inappropriate behavior, no matter how famous they are.
