Katy Perry’s sexual assault controversy continues to raise its head amidst her career milestones.
Ahead of the World Cup, the “I Kissed A Girl” hitmaker has been tapped to headline the U.S. opening ceremony.
However, many soccer fans are unhappy with the decision, with several pointing to the singer’s ongoing controversy following accusations from Ruby Rose.
On Friday, reports revealed that FIFA plans to stage special opening performances before the first group-stage matches involving host countries Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Per the NY Times, the soccer organization has lined up several artists for the opening festivities, with Perry reportedly chosen to lead the show for the United States ceremony.
The “California Girls” singer is expected to perform on June 12 at SoFi Stadium, where the U.S. men’s national team will face Paraguay. Other performers set to feature at the event include Future, Los Angeles-based DJ Sanjoy, Lisa, and Marilina Bogado.
Fans Slam Katy Perry’s Headlining Gig
News of Perry’s World Cup performance quickly made its way to X through Pop Crave and immediately sparked backlash from social media users, many of whom criticized both Perry and FIFA.
One X user questioned, “Why is someone under investigation for sexual assault performing?” Another critic argued that “they could’ve picked someone better.”
A different spectator wrote, “Katy Perry opening the World Cup feels like FIFA found an old 2014 playlist and said, ‘yeah, this still works!’”
“Y’all are trying so hard to make her relevant again,” another critic remarked, while someone else called the choice a “shame for FIFA fans.”
A sixth internet user added, “If Katy Perry is the artist chosen, then that tells you everything about how chop that event is.”
Katy Perry Facing Fresh Claims From Another Actor
While fans continue criticizing FIFA’s decision to feature the “Firework” singer, another actor has revisited an encounter with Perry that allegedly left him uncomfortable.
As The Blast reported, Josh Kloss claimed that during a 2012 party, Perry pulled down his pants and underwear in front of other guests, exposing him without his consent.
Kloss, who played Perry’s love interest in her “Teenage Dream” music video, said he felt humiliated and embarrassed by the incident. According to him, the 41-year-old singer laughed it off, while he did not view it as a joke because they did not share that kind of playful relationship.
He first spoke publicly about the incident in 2019, admitting he had a crush on the mom of one at the time but still felt degraded and ashamed by what allegedly happened.
Katy Perry Under Fire Following Allegations From Ruby Rose
Kloss’ recount of his experience with the “Dark Horse” hitmaker adds to the scrutiny she is facing following sexual assault accusations from Australian actress Ruby Rose.
Rose made explosive claims on social media, accusing Perry of sexually assaulting her at Spice Market nightclub while describing the incident in detail.
After Rose’s post, police in Melbourne have confirmed they are investigating an alleged incident, while Perry has denied the incident.
The claims have sparked widespread reaction online, with many social media users criticizing Perry for what they see as a pattern of crossing boundaries.
“Katy Perry’s abuse has been well documented and recorded over the years,” one user wrote, per The Blast, while others piled in, noting they were unsurprised by the abuse.
Details Of The Alleged Incident Between The ‘Roar’ Singer And Rose Resurface
As the investigation continues, more details from the night in question have resurfaced, including footage from a prom event the pair reportedly attended before going to the nightclub.
According to The Blast, the clip, filmed at a high school prom in August 2010, showed Perry jumping onstage to join students performing Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies.” Rose was reportedly with her that night but did not appear in the footage or photos.
Another resurfaced account came from the former manager of the now-closed nightclub, who said he did not witness anything inappropriate and remembered the pair leaving on friendly terms after drinking heavily.
He also claimed he saw no signs of anyone being sick that evening, contradicting Rose’s account that she vomited after the alleged assault.