Singer and American Idol host Katy Perry appears to be having one hell of a week after receiving massive backlash from social media users, including actor George Takei for the mom-shaming remark she made toward a contestant who ultimately left the competition.
For context, the incident began in early March, when American Idol contestant Sara Beth auditioned for Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie in the hit ABC series. While disclosing some personal information about herself, Beth, who married her longtime partner really young, revealed that she was 25-years-old and a mother of three as she fangirled over the judges.
Following the revelation, a shocked Perry reacted by getting out of her seat and dramatically returning. When Beth made the comment that she would faint if the “Fireworks” vocalist lay on the table, Perry quipped, “Honey, you’ve been lying on the table too much!” Even with that comment, Beth would successfully be sent to the next round with her covers of Amy Winehouse’s “You Know That I’m No Good” and “Bennie and the Jets” by Elton John.
Although at the time of the audition, Beth didn’t address Perry’s mom-shaming comment, she did, however, share a separate TikTok post as the clip went viral. In the video, Beth stated that it was “embarrassing to have that on TV,” and she felt that Perry’s joke was “super lame.” This situation all came to a head on April 2, after Beth made the decision to leave the competition after her first-week performance in Hollywood. As she finished her rendition of The Police’s Roxanne, Beth told the judges and the audience,
“This opportunity is really rad, but this is actually gonna be my last performance ’cause my heart’s at home.”
In light of the surprising news, the judges pleaded with Beth for her to stay. Still, in the end, she decided to go home because she felt guilty being away from her young children for an extended time and shared that she would possibly audition again. As Beth’s departure circulated online alongside Perry’s mom-shaming remark, Takei took to his Facebook page on April 4 to respond to the “California Girls” songstress.
The 85-year-old bashed Perry by simply writing two words: “Not funny.” Takei’s stance on the topic received mixed reviews from his followers. Some felt that Perry’s joke wasn’t as harmful as people made it out to be. At the same time, others shared that Perry was insensitive.
Perry has yet to comment on the new wave of backlash she is receiving.
Published: Apr 4, 2023 05:37 pm