Katy Perry Slammed For ‘Tone-Deaf’ Comments About Working With Dr. Luke In New Podcast Episode: ‘Can’t Listen To Her Music Or Interviews Anymore’
September 6, 2024 by Marissa Matozzo
Katy Perry deftly avoided addressing a recent inquiry about her collaboration with the contentious music producer Dr. Luke. During her appearance on the widely-followed podcast, Call Her Daddy, the “Roar” hitmaker, 39, refrained from discussing her recent projects with Dr. Luke (whose real name is Łukasz Sebastian Gottwald), a subject that has stirred significant online criticism.
When host Alex Cooper broached the topic by referring to “one collaborator in particular,” and highlighted the public’s displeasure and disappointment over Perry’s decision to work with Dr. Luke, 50, on her latest album, the former American Idol judge chose to evade the question.
This reluctance to explain or acknowledge her association with an alleged abuser—especially in light of many artists pledging to sever ties with Dr. Luke following Kesha‘s accusations of sexual assault—has only intensified the backlash against Perry this week.
As seen in the September 3rd episode of Call Her Daddy, host Cooper, 30, said to Perry: “A lot of people have expressed disappointment and were really upset that you decided to work with Dr. Luke on this album.” After all, the “Dark Horse” artist collaborated with the controversial producer on her upcoming seventh studio album, 143. Perry responded: “I understand that it started a lot of conversations, and he was one of many collaborators that I collaborated with, but the reality is, (the music) comes from me.”
Perry collaborated with Dr. Luke on her breakthrough 2009 hits “I Kissed a Girl” and “Hot N Cold,” along with numerous other popular tracks. Their partnership flourished on her 2010 album Teenage Dream, producing hits like “California Gurls,” “E.T.,” “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F),” and more.