Police in Melbourne are currently investigating allegations of sexual assault made by actress and model Ruby Rose against pop singer Katy Perry. The probe centers on an incident alleged to have occurred more than 15 years ago in the summer of 2010, marking a sudden and severe escalation in the long-simmering tension between the two public figures.
The investigation was triggered after Rose, 40, used the social media platform Threads to launch a series of accusations against Perry, 41. Even as the posts have since been deleted, they detailed a graphic encounter at a Melbourne nightclub where Rose claims Perry assaulted her. The legal matter has now transitioned from a social media dispute to a formal criminal inquiry.
Detectives from the Melbourne Sexual Offences Investigation Office confirmed they are conducting an investigation into a sexual assault that took place in 2010. In an official statement, authorities noted that they had been informed of an incident occurring at a “licensed venue in the city center.” While the police did not explicitly name the individuals involved, the timeline and location align precisely with the claims made by Rose.
The nature of the allegations
The accusations stem from a night in August 2010 at the now-closed Spice Market club in Melbourne. Rose alleged that while she was attempting to avoid Perry by resting on a friend’s lap, Perry approached her and engaged in a non-consensual sexual act, specifically claiming that Perry rubbed her genitals on Rose’s face.
Rose described the emotional toll of the event, noting that she was just over 20 years old at the time. She stated that it had taken nearly two decades to find the strength to speak out, adding, “Though I am grateful for having held on long enough to find my voice, this only demonstrates the enormous impact that trauma and sexual aggression have.”
Perry’s response and the ‘history of accusations’
Katy Perry has largely avoided direct commentary on the allegations. She spent the past weekend at the Coachella festival with her partner, former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Her only public response was a post to her Instagram stories featuring her 2013 song “By the Grace of God” and a message to her followers stating, “I love you.”
Although, Perry’s legal and management team issued a more aggressive response on Monday. In a formal statement, they characterized the claims as “categorically false” and described them as “dangerous and reckless lies.” The statement further attempted to undermine Rose’s credibility by citing a “well-documented history” of the actress making grave public accusations against others that were later debunked.
The team specifically referenced a public feud from 2017, during which Rose criticized Perry on Twitter following the release of the song “Swish Swish.” The statement lamented Rose’s shift from a perceived political activist to someone making these current claims, calling the situation “a pity.”
Conflicting accounts of the night at Spice Market
A former manager of the Spice Market club has provided a third perspective on the events of August 2010. Speaking to local press, the manager recalled that both women arrived at the club together, accompanied by Perry’s makeup artist and a friend of Rose.
According to the manager, the night was chaotic due to a crowd of approximately 600 people and Perry’s high energy on the dance floor. He noted that while both women spent time in the VIP area and were “drunk, but not completely blind with alcohol,” he never witnessed any incident of assault. He further recalled that the two women left the venue together in the same vehicle through a rear exit.
The following table outlines the primary positions of the parties involved in the current Ruby Rose Katy Perry sexual assault investigation:
| Party | Position/Claim | Key Evidence/Argument |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby Rose | Victim of sexual assault in 2010 | Personal testimony; police report |
| Katy Perry | Categorical denial of all claims | Statement citing “reckless lies” |
| Melbourne Police | Active investigation underway | Report of 2010 city center incident |
| Club Manager | No assault witnessed | Recall of both leaving together |
The path toward ‘healing’
The case has now moved entirely into the hands of the legal system. In a statement to the Sydney Morning Herald, Rose confirmed that she has formally brought the matter to the police. Because the investigation is active, she stated she can no longer speak publicly about the case or the individuals involved.
Rose indicated that her decision to involve law enforcement was intended to help her “move forward and begin the process of healing.”
As the Melbourne Sexual Offences Investigation Office continues its probe, the next critical development will likely be the determination of whether sufficient evidence exists to bring formal charges. Police have maintained that since the investigation is ongoing, further comments would be inappropriate.
This represents a developing story. We invite our readers to share their thoughts in the comments section and follow for updates as more information becomes available.
Note: If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, support is available. Please contact your local crisis center or a national sexual assault hotline for confidential assistance.
