Old ‘American Idol’ Moment with Katy Perry Back in Spotlight Amid Fresh Controversy

Source: MEGA, Inside Edition/YouTube

In the midst of actress Ruby Rose’s allegations that she was sexually assaulted by Katy Perry, the singer’s “uncomfortable” American Idol kissing scandal has resurfaced, RadarOnline.com can reveal.

Contestant Benjamin Glaze appeared on Season 16 of the show in 2018, where Perry planted a smooch on the young man after he said he was waiting for that type of intimacy until he found a meaningful relationship.

Katy Perry’s ‘American Idol’ Kissing Scandal

Source: Inside Edition/YouTubeBenjamin Glaze confessed he had never been in a relationship on the show.

Fellow judge Luke Bryan asked Glaze, “Have you kissed a girl and liked it?” referring to Perry’s 2008 breakthrough hit I Kissed a Girl.

“No, I’ve never been in a relationship,” the then-19-year-old amateur singer and guitarist responded.

The Firework hitmaker replied in shock, “Really?”

“I can’t kiss the girl without being in a relationship,” Glaze told Perry as his audition was about to get underway.

Katy Perry Stole ‘Idol’ Contestant Benjamin Glaze’s First Kiss

Source: Inside Edition/YouTubeKaty Perry criticized Benjamin Glaze’s cheek peck and planted a kiss on his lips instead.

Perry loudly demanded, “Come here, come in right now,” calling Glaze toward her as Bryan and fellow judge Lionel Richie got out their phones for pictures, anticipating what was about to happen as she jutted her face forward.

Glaze nervously gave the California Gurls singer a quick peck on the cheek, to which Perry scolded him that it “didn’t even make the smush sound.”

After asking for a second attempt, Perry turned and kissed him on the lips.

“Do you have any water by chance? It’s just I kind of wasn’t expecting that,” Glaze said as he went back to take his place onstage to perform his audition.

‘I Was Uncomfortable Immediately’

Source: Inside Edition/YouTubeBenjamin Glaze lamented how he’d wanted his ‘first kiss to be special.’

Adding insult to injury, Glaze got a “no” from all three judges, and Perry snarked about his performance, “I think you’re a bit rushed and maybe that was because I sped up your BPM of the heartbeat.”

The midwesterner went on to tell the New York Times how “uncomfortable” Perry’s kiss made him.

“I was raised in a conservative family, and I was uncomfortable immediately. I wanted my first kiss to be special,” he told the outlet.

After Perry faced backlash for the incident, he clarified that he did not feel “sexually harassed by Katy Perry.”