Juicy details are emerging around Katy Perry’s AFL Grand Final performance, with sources now claiming the pop star has banned Aussie press from asking two specific questions.
Not since I tried (and failed) to rock those teeny-tiny footy shorts à la Paul Mescal have I been this invested in the AFL, and that’s thanks in large part to Perry, who has been making headlines ahead of her pre-game, Tina Arena-featuring show at the MCG this Saturday.
First there was The Greens’ attempt to block Perry’s AFL performance not because of her woeful single “Woman’s World”, but to replace her with an Aussie music act.
Then, rumours swirled last week of supposed “fireworks” (sorry) between AFL execs and Perry, who reportedly clashed over what to include in the setlist for her performance.
Now, it’s rumoured that Perry will refuse to take any questions from media outlets about either the negative reviews of new her album, 143, or her controversial collaborations with Dr. Luke.
According to gossip newsletter Popbitch (per Daily Mail), the “Roar” singer has banned any questions pertaining to the (Dr.)lukewarm reaction to 143, which Pitchfork eloquently deemed “a spectacular flop” in one of multiple poor reviews.
Daily Mail also reported that despite refusing questions about the album’s negative reception, Perry still hopes her AFL show will “revive” her pop career, following months of Dr. Luke-induced backlash during the rollout of 143.
Perry has also supposedly banned questions about the producer, who is credited on ten songs on the album. The controversy stems from Dr. Luke’s nearly decade-long legal battle with fellow singer Kesha, who accused the producer of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse in 2014.
The case was settled last year, but fans took umbrage with Perry’s collaboration with Dr. Luke ahead of 143’s release.
While she reportedly won’t respond to any more questions about the producer now, Perry did address the controversy earlier this month on Call Her Daddy — a podcast that consistently spills enough tea to overfill countless pots.
“[Dr. Luke] was one of many collaborators that I collaborated with”, Perry told host Alexandra Cooper, “but the reality is it comes from me”.
“He was one of the people to help facilitate all that—one of the writers, one of the producers. And, I am speaking from my own experience.”
We don’t yet know if any of the 143 tracks produced by Dr. Luke will feature in Perry’s AFL Grand Final setlist, but let’s hope she did what the rest of the world has and forgets “Woman’s World” altogether.
Image source: Yui Mok – WPA Pool/Getty Images
