Australian Police Launch Investigation into Katy Perry Following Ruby Rose’s Sexual Assault Allegations

Victorian police have confirmed they are investigating allegations of a historical sexual assault in Melbourne dating back to 2010, following accusations made by actress Ruby Rose against pop star Katy Perry.

“Melbourne Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) detectives are investigating a historical sexual assault that occurred in Melbourne in 2010,” a representative for the Victorian Police stated. “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.”

The investigation comes after Rose, best known for her role in “Orange Is the New Black,” made explosive claims on social media over the weekend alleging Perry sexually assaulted her at a Melbourne nightclub approximately 20 years ago. Rose, now 40, elaborated on her claims after being questioned by users on the platform Threads.

“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,” Rose wrote. “Later she agreed to help me get my US visa. So I kept it a secret. But I DID tell y’all she wasn’t a good person.”

Perry’s representatives have vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “categorically false” and “dangerous, reckless lies.” They also pointed to what they describe as Rose’s “well-documented history of making serious public allegations on social media against various individuals, claims that have repeatedly been denied by those named.”

The timing discrepancy between Rose’s claim of the incident happening 20 years ago and police investigating an event from 2010 has not been addressed by either party.

Rose has indicated that the trauma of the alleged incident prevented her from coming forward sooner. “I was only in my early 20s. I’m now 40. It has taken almost 2 decades to say this publicly,” she wrote. “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.”

On Tuesday, Rose confirmed to the Herald Sun newspaper that she had filed official reports with local law enforcement authorities. Following this formal complaint, she announced on social media that she would no longer be able to comment publicly on the case.

“As of this afternoon, I have finalized all my reports. This means I am no longer able to comment, repost, or talk publicly about any of those cases, or the individuals involved,” Rose explained. “It’s going to look like I am ignoring everything from supportive messages, to other people’s experiences, but I’m not. This is a standard request from the police and in many ways, quite the relief. I can start the healing process now.”

While not directly addressing the investigation, Perry appeared to respond cryptically on Tuesday through her Instagram stories. The singer shared a clip of her 2013 song “By the Grace of God” with the message “I love you.” The song’s lyrics include the lines, “It was not about me / Now I have to rise above / Let the universe call the bluff / Yeah the truth will set you free.”

This case emerges amid growing awareness of sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry following the #MeToo movement, which has encouraged victims to come forward with their experiences regardless of how much time has passed. The investigation also highlights the complexities of handling historical allegations, especially those involving high-profile figures in the entertainment industry.

Representatives for Perry have not responded to additional requests for comment regarding the police investigation. The “Roar” singer, one of pop music’s biggest stars with multiple chart-topping hits and a judging role on “American Idol,” has maintained a significant public presence throughout her career.

As the investigation continues, authorities have asked for privacy and patience while they examine the allegations.