By Pop star Katy Perry is now under formal investigation by Australian police following explosive sexual assault allegations made by actress Ruby Rose on social media.
Victoria Police confirmed on April 15, 2026, that detectives from Melbourne’s Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation team are actively investigating a historical sexual assault alleged to have occurred in Melbourne in 2010. The development marks a significant escalation in a controversy that erupted just days earlier.
Victoria Police confirmed to Australian media outlets The Sydney Morning Herald and the Herald Sun that they are investigating a historical sexual assault that occurred in Melbourne in 2010.
Detectives from the Melbourne Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation team are handling Rose’s allegations. The investigation is currently in its early stages, and authorities have been careful about disclosing details.
“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,” a Victoria Police spokesman told The SMH and the Herald Sun.
Ruby Rose’s Allegations Against Katy Perry
The controversy began when Ruby Rose publicly accused Katy Perry of sexual assault in a series of posts on the social media platform Threads over the weekend.
The Orange Is the New Black star made the claims against Perry in posts shared on Threads on Sunday, replying to an article about Perry reacting to Justin Bieber’s Coachella performance. Rose alleged in the comments section: “Katy Perry sexually assaulted me at Spice Market nightclub in Melbourne.”
Rose, 40, alleged that Perry, 41, sexually assaulted her while they were out at Spice Market nightclub in Melbourne when she was in her “early 20s.” She described the alleged incident in explicit detail in follow-up posts.
In a follow-up reply, Rose added that she was “only in my early 20s” at the time of the alleged incident and wrote, “It has taken almost 2 decades to say this publicly.”
Rose also addressed the emotional toll the alleged experience had on her. “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,” she wrote.
The actress further claimed she has evidence to back up her account. Rose claimed Perry is “more than welcome to sue me (she won’t, because it happened, I have photos and it was literally in public and witnessed by multiple people).”
Katy Perry’s Camp Responds
A representative for Katy Perry issued a firm denial shortly after the allegations surfaced on social media.
The rep stated: “The allegations being circulated on social media by Ruby Rose about Katy Perry are not only categorically false, they are dangerous, reckless lies.”
The statement continued: “Ms. Rose has a well-documented history of making serious public allegations on social media against various individuals, claims that have repeatedly been denied by those named.”
Perry’s team made no further public comment following the Victoria Police announcement on April 15. At the time of reporting, a representative for Perry had not responded to media requests for comment on the police investigation.
Ruby Rose Takes It to the Police
Despite initially suggesting she was not interested in filing a formal report, Ruby Rose ultimately decided to take legal action.
In a Threads post the day before police confirmed the probe, Rose said: “Today I will be walking into a police station to see if any of my experiences can be investigated. I imagine they are past their statute of limitations, but all the more reason to try.”
Australian actress Rose confirmed to the Herald Sun on Tuesday that she had taken the matter to the police. She then posted a statement online explaining why she would be stepping back from public commentary on the matter.
“As of this afternoon, I have finalised 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,” she shared on Threads.
Rose added: “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’s decision to go to the police surprised many observers who had followed her initial posts, in which she appeared to be ruling out a formal report. The shift came quickly, within 48 hours of her first public allegation.
Katy Perry’s Message to Fans
As the controversy intensified, Katy Perry broke her personal silence — though she did not address the allegations directly.
Following the allegations, Perry sent a short message to her fans on Tuesday. In an Instagram Stories post, the musician wrote, “i love you” alongside an image of her song “By the Grace of God” from her 2013 album Prism.
The song, known for its emotionally raw lyrics about personal hardship and survival, drew immediate attention from both supporters and critics who read significance into the choice.
Perry has not made any further public statement. Her team’s formal denial remains her only official response to date.
What Happens Next
The formal investigation by Victoria Police puts this case on a different legal footing than a social media dispute. Whether the probe leads to charges will depend on the evidence gathered and the applicable statute of limitations under Australian law.
Historical sexual assault cases present unique challenges for investigators, particularly when alleged incidents occurred 15 or more years ago. Victoria Police’s confirmation that they are actively investigating — rather than simply receiving a report — suggests the matter is being treated with seriousness.
Both Katy Perry and Ruby Rose are expected to remain silent on the matter while the investigation is ongoing. Rose has already stated she cannot publicly comment further following police advice.
This story continues to develop. As one of the biggest names in pop music, Katy Perry’s involvement in an active police investigation is unprecedented for her career. The outcome of the Victorian investigation will carry significant implications — both legally and professionally — for everyone involved.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
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