Australian police have launched an investigation after Ruby Rose accused Katy Perry of sexual assault in a string of social media posts. Perry has strongly denied the claims.
Victoria police said on Wednesday that detectives were examining an allegation of “historical sexual assault that occurred in Melbourne in 2010.”
The police force did not name Rose or Perry, but the Australian actress, whose credits include Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black, has said she is in contact with detectives.
A Victoria police spokesperson told Deadline: “Melbourne sexual offences and child abuse investigation team detectives are investigating [an alleged] historical sexual assault that occurred in Melbourne in 2010.
“Police have been told the incident occurred at a licensed premises in Melbourne’s CBD [central business district]. As the investigation remains ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”
Earlier this week, Rose, 40, alleged that Perry, 41, sexually assaulted her at Melbourne’s Spice Market nightclub when she was in her 20s.
In posts on Meta-owned Threads, Rose claimed Perry “saw me ‘resting’ on my best friends lap to avoid her and bent down, pulled her underwear to the side and rubbed her disgusting vagina on my face until my eyes snapped open and I projectile vomitted on her.”
Deadline has approached Perry’s representatives for comment on the police investigation, but she has previously denied Rose’s allegations.
“The allegations being circulated on social media by Ruby Rose about Katy Perry are not only categorically false, they are dangerous reckless lies,” her rep said.
“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.”
In a Threads post, Rose said she would not be commenting further on her allegations. “As of this afternoon, I have finalized all of 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 said.
“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. And temporary move forward. I love you all so much.”
