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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Inga Parkel

Katy Perry being investigated by Australian police after Ruby Rose’s sexual assault claims

Katy Perry is under investigation by Australian police over accusations that she sexually assaulted actor Ruby Rose at a Melbourne nightclub over 15 years ago.

Victoria Police confirmed to The Independent that they are “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 said in a statement.

The Independent has contacted representatives of Perry and Rose for comment.

Rose, 40, made the sweeping claims in response to a Threads post by music outlet Complex about Perry’s reaction to Justin Bieber’s headlining performance at Coachella. “Katy Perry sexual [sic] assaulted me at spice market nightclub in Melbourne,” Rose wrote. “Who gives a s*** what she thinks.”

The pop superstar, 41, has vehemently denied the recent allegations made by the Australian actor, slamming them as “not only categorically false, they are dangerous reckless lies.”

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’s representative said in a statement shared with Variety.

Rose alleged that the incident occurred when she was in her twenties. “I’m now 40. It has taken almost 2 decades to say this publicly,” she responded to one fan. “Though I am so grateful to have made it long enough to find my voice, it just shows how much of an impact trauma and sexual assault takes. Thank you for seeing me.”

Replying to another message asking for details of the alleged incident, Rose claimed: “She didn’t kiss me. She saw me ‘resting’ on my best friends lap to avoid her and bent down, pulled her underwear to the side and rubbed her disgusting vagina on my face until my eyes snapped open and I projectile vomited on her.”

In another response, she continued: “After it I threw up on her, I told the story publicly but changed it to be a ‘funny little drunk story’ because I didn’t know how else to handle it. Later she agreed to help me get my U.S. visa. So I kept it a secret. But I DID tell yall she wasn’t a good person.”

Perry has denied the accusations, calling them ‘dangerous, reckless lies’ (AFP/Getty)

Rose had originally insisted she was “not interested in filing a police report.”

However, she later shared an update on Threads, saying: “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.”

Rose then posted another update saying she “finalized all of my reports. This means I am no longer able to comment, repost, or talk publicly about any of those cases, or the individuals involved.”

She added that it may look like she is ignoring supportive messages, but clarified she is not. “This is a standard request from the police and in many ways, quite the relief,” the Orange Is the New Black alum noted. “I can start the healing process now. And temporary move forward. I love you all so much.”

Rape Crisis offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call them on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, or visit their website at www.rapecrisis.org.uk. If you are in the US, you can call Rainn on 800-656-HOPE (4673)

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