Australian authorities have launched an investigation into a historical sexual assault allegation involving pop singer Katy Perry, following public claims made by actress Ruby Rose.
Victoria Police confirmed that detectives from the Melbourne Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) are examining an alleged incident reported to have occurred in 2010 at a licensed venue in Melbourne’s central business district. In an official statement, police said the matter remains under active investigation and declined to release further details.
“Melbourne Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) detectives are investigating a historical sexual assault that occurred in Melbourne in 2010. 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 statement read.
The investigation follows allegations made by Rose, 40, who claimed in a social media post on April 12 that Perry sexually assaulted her at a Melbourne nightclub more than a decade ago. The accusation surfaced after Rose responded to an online video featuring Perry commenting on a recent performance by Justin Bieber during the Coachella festival.
“Katy Perry sexual assaulted me at spice market nightclub in Melbourne. Who gives a s–t what she thinks,” Rose wrote in a post on Threads.
In subsequent posts, Rose elaborated on the alleged incident, stating that she was in her early 20s at the time. She described an encounter in which she attempted to avoid Perry before the alleged assault occurred. Rose also claimed that Perry later offered to assist her with obtaining a U.S. visa.
A representative for Perry, 41, strongly denied the allegations, calling them “categorically false” and describing the claims as a “dangerous and reckless lie.”
Following her initial statements, Rose indicated that she had filed formal reports with authorities and would no longer comment publicly on the matter. In a post shared on April 14, she said the decision was made in accordance with police requests and marked a step toward focusing on personal recovery.
“Hi! Last update on this: As of this afternoon, I have 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,” Rose wrote. “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.”
Rose also suggested she may pursue legal action, though she acknowledged the alleged incident could fall outside the statute of limitations.
As of now, no charges have been announced, and authorities have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.