Katy Perry Told By ‘American Idol’ Producers To Stop Being “Raunchy”?

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Was Katy Perry really told by “American Idol” producers to stop being “raunchy” on the show? That’s the latest claim coming from one of this week’s tabloids. Gossip Cop investigated and we’re told it’s “not true.”

According to OK!, Perry is “already getting complaints about her awkward judging comments” on the new season of “American Idol,” which premiered on ABC earlier this month. In the magazine’s article, a so-called “source” is quoted as saying, “[Producers] have Katy on a very short leash. She’s constantly being reminded that it’s a family show and she can’t be too raunchy.”

What’s more, the outlet’s alleged “insider” further maintains, “The producers flip out if she arrives late or displays any sort of diva behavior.” Additionally, the tabloid’s supposed “source” goes on to contend, “They keep telling her to focus on the contestants rather than plugging her own projects.” It’s “frustrating for Katy,” purports the tabloid’s tipster, before adding, “especially when Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan are being spared.”

While it’s true in the beginning that Perry was late to tapings, pretty much the rest of the tabloid’s tale is off-base. There was an incident during the show’s premiere in which Perry gave an “American Idol contestant a kiss that left him “uncomfortable,” but it was far from “raunchy.” Also, while certain remarks by the contestant, Benjamin Glaze, were misconstrued, he later went on Instagram and, for the most part, defended Perry and her kiss.

Above the hashtags, #AmericanIdol and #KatyPerry, Glaze clarified on Instagram “a few things up for anyone who is confused, concerned, or angry.” He noted, “I am not complaining about the kiss from Katy Perry at all,” but he felt his comments about it afterwards were “not accurately represented” in stories about it. Alluding to being a bit flustered by the peck, Glaze continued, “I should have picked another song to sing and calmed myself down regardless of the kiss. I should have been able to perform under pressure.”

Significantly, he reiterated that while he “was not expecting” the singer’s kiss, “I do not think I was sexually harassed by Katy Perry and I am thankful for the judges comments and critiques.” Other than that widely reported moment, there has been nothing remotely mentioned about Perry’s behavior on “American Idol” that would be considered “raunchy.” Still, Gossip Cop looked into the claims, and a rep for the singer exclusively tells us the story is completely “untrue.” Meanwhile, someone involved in the production who could only speak on the condition on anonymity also assures us Perry has been “great to work with,” and directed us to some of her reviews by critics.

And though The Hollywood Reporter called Perry a “standout judge” and “tremendous,” there has been talk about whether the singer’s continued flirting with male contestants is a bit too much. That, of course, is up to each individual to decide. But contrary to OK!’s main claim about producers being tired of her “raunchy” act and asserting that they “have Katy on a very short leash,” The Washington Post reports ABC and its show runners instead view “Perry’s shtick as a joke.”