Australian authorities have launched an investigation into a historical sexual assault allegation involving US pop star Katy Perry, according to police and media reports on Wednesday.
The allegation was made by actor Ruby Rose, who claimed in a series of now-deleted social media posts that the incident occurred at a nightclub in Melbourne nearly two decades ago.
On Tuesday, Rose widely known for her role in the television series Orange Is the New Black said she had formally submitted reports to police and would no longer comment publicly on the matter.
In a statement to AFP, Victoria state police confirmed they are investigating “a historical sexual assault that occurred in Melbourne in 2010,” but declined to name the individual involved.
“As the investigation remains ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage,” a police spokesperson said.
A representative for Perry has strongly denied the allegations. In a statement to entertainment publication Variety, the spokesperson described the claims as “categorically false” and “dangerous reckless lies.”
The statement also criticised Rose, alleging she has a “well-documented history of making serious public allegations on social media,” which have been denied by those accused.
Perry, known for chart-topping hits including Hot n Cold, Roar, and I Kissed a Girl, has recently been in the spotlight for her reported relationship with former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau.
The investigation remains ongoing.