U.S. pop star Katy Perry is under investigation in Australia over allegations of sexual assault made by actor Ruby Rose, police and media said Wednesday.
Rose alleged in a series of widely reported but now-deleted posts on social media that the singer had assaulted her in a nightclub in Melbourne almost two decades ago.
On Tuesday, Rose -- best known for her role in TV sitcom “Orange is the New Black” -- said she had finalized reports to police and could therefore no longer talk publicly about the case.
In a statement to AFP, Victoria state police declined to name Perry but said they were “investigating a historical sexual assault that occurred in Melbourne in 2010.”
“As the investigation remains ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage,” a spokesperson added.
A representative for Perry denied the claims in a statement to entertainment industry magazine Variety.
“The allegations being circulated on social media by Ruby Rose about Katy Perry are not only categorically false, they are dangerous reckless lies,” they said.
“Ms. Rose has a well-documented history of making serious public allegations on social media against various individuals, claims that have repeatedly been denied by those named.”
Perry -- singer of mega hits like “Hot n Cold,” “Roar” and “I Kissed a Girl” -- has drawn headlines recently for her relationship with former prime minister Justin Trudeau.
If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
- The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling.
- The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: +1 866 925 4419 or +1 800 721 0066 (24/7)
- Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: +1 416 597 8808 (24/7)
- Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: +1 833 900 1010 (24/7)
- Trans Lifeline: +1 877 330 6366
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
- Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: +1 844 750 1648
- Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.
