Luke Bryan Defends Katy Perry's Controversial American Idol Kiss

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.” 

“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. 


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