Katy Perry is being investigated over sexual assault claims Ruby Rose made on social media over the weekend, Billboard has confirmed.
Police in Melbourne, Australia, — where the alleged incident took place 16 years ago — said in a statement on Wednesday (April 15) that its sexual offenses and child abuse investigation team detectives had begun “investigating a historical sexual assault that occurred in Melbourne in 2010.”
The spokesperson continued, “Police have been told the incident occurred at a licensed premises in Melbourne’s CBD. As the investigation remains ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”
Billboard has reached out to reps for Perry and Rose for comment.
The update comes two days after the pop star vehemently denied the accusations via her rep, who said in a statement to Billboard, “The allegations being circulated on social media by Ruby Rose about Katy Perry are not only categorically false, they are dangerous, reckless lies.”
Perry’s rep also claimed that the Orange Is the New Black alum has a “well-documented history of making serious public allegations on social media against various individuals” that have been “repeatedly been denied by those named.”
Rose first shared her accusations on Sunday (April 12), commenting under an unrelated post about about Perry on Threads, “Katy Perry sexual assaulted me at spice market nightclub in Melbourne. Who gives a s–t what she thinks.”
The actress went on to share details of the alleged assault and noted that she has framed it to others in the past as a “funny little drunk story” due to her not knowing “how else to handle” the alleged situation. Later, she told followers, “Today I will be walking into a police station to see if any of my experiences can be investigated. I imagine they are past their statute of limitations, but all the more reason to try.”
On Tuesday (April 14), Rose returned to Threads and shared what she said will be her “last update” on the situation for a while. “As of this afternoon, I have finalized all of my reports,” she wrote. “This means I am no longer able to comment, repost, or talk publicly about any of those cases, or the individuals involved … This is a standard request from the police and in many ways, quite the relief. I can start the healing process now.”
If you or anyone you know has experienced sexual assault and needs support, reach out to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. The organization provides free, confidential support to sexual assault victims 24/7. Call RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) or visit the anti-sexual violence organization’s website for more information.
