Luke Bryan Defends Katy Perry’s Controversial American Idol Kiss

March 21, 2018 Bobby Bones Leave a reply

Luke Bryan has Katy Perry’s back.

The country star spoke to Australia’s The Morning Show about headlines regarding that American Idol kiss some are calling inappropriate and nonconsensual.

In an early audition episode, Katy playfully gave contestant Benjamin Glaze a peck on the lips. While the 20-year-old cashier told The New York Times afterwards that he “wanted to save [his first kiss for his] first relationship,” Luke thinks the incident was blown out of proportion.

 

“It’s unfortunate that stuff like that turns into a story that big,” he said. “I watched an actual interview where Ben, the kid that was involved, said that he was cool with everything. I gotta back Katy on that. She’s in there working hard and making fun TV.”

Following the backlash, Ben, in fact, did take to Instagram to set the record straight, writing he “never intended to cause strife or anger.”

 

Hi everyone, I would like to clear a few things up for anyone who is confused, concerned, or angry. I am not complaining about the kiss from Katy Perry at all, doing a few news reports and being interviewed by many different reporters has caused some major questions. The way certain articles are worded is not done by me, and my true intentions are not accurately represented in every article you read about the situation. I am not complaining about the kiss, I am very honored and thankful to have been apart of American Idol. The main purpose for the show is to find stars and new music artist. I do wish I would have performed better in the moment. I should have picked another song to sing and calmed myself down regardless of the kiss. I should have been able to perform under pressure. I do not think I was sexually harassed by Katy Perry and I am thankful for the judges comments and critiques. I was uncomfortable in a sense of how I have never been kissed before and was not expecting it. My main goal is to reach people through the universal love of music and not cause strife or anger against anyone or about any situation! Please take into consideration that I don’t believe my views have been appropriately communicated through the media! Thank you to everyone who has followed me in this journey and I hope I answered a few questions. . . . . #americanidol #katyperry #music

A post shared by Ben Issac Glaze (@benjaminglaze) on

“I do not think I was sexually harassed by Katy Perry and I am thankful for the judges [sic] comments and critiques,” he posted alongside a photo of The Times article. “I was uncomfortable in a sense of how I have never been kissed before and was not expecting it.”

Luke added his, Katy’s and fellow judge Lionel Richie’s “hearts are in the right place.”

American Idol airs Sundays and Mondays at 8/7c on ABC.