American Idol contestant Benjamin Glaze has clarified that he does not feel he was “sexually harassed” by singer and judge Katy Perry — even if she made him “uncomfortable” when she unexpectedly kissed him on the lips. During an audition for the revamped singing competition, which is again hosted by Ryan Seacrest in spite of the disturbing sexual assault accusations leveled against him, Perry had stolen the 19-year-old cashier’s first kiss ahead of his audition after he admitted to the judges that he had never been in a relationship and, consequently, never kissed a girl before.
But in a subsequent Instagram post, Glaze wrote that he wanted to clarify “for anyone who is confused, concerned, or angry” after his news interviews that he was not “complaining about the kiss,” and that he was grateful to have been able to showcase his music on the show.
“I do not think I was sexually harassed by Katy Perry and I am thankful for the judges comments and critiques,” wrote Glaze. “I was uncomfortable in a sense of how I have never been kissed before and was not expecting it. My main goal is to reach people through the universal love of music and not cause strife or anger against anyone or about any situation! Please take into consideration that I don’t believe my views have been appropriately communicated through the media!”
While American Idol was quick to market the moment to promote the show, Glaze seemed to not share in the excitement. In an interview with The New York Times, he revealed that he was “uncomfortable” with the kiss, explaining that he he wanted to save his first kiss “for my first relationship.”
In wake of the interview, many had criticized Perry and called on her to be fired, arguing that if it had been a male judge who kissed a 19-year-old girl then audiences would not have been so accepting.
Read the full story at The Washington Post.
Related
Katy Perry criticized for planting unwanted smooch on 19-year-old ‘American Idol’ hopeful
Katy Perry discusses her religious upbringing and how she became an LGBTQ advocate
Tom Brady kisses his son, ignites debate about parental affection and traditional masculinity