Following Ruby Rose’s sexual assault claims against Katy Perry, which have been vehemently denied by a spokesperson for the singer, it has been confirmed that a police investigation is in progress in Australia.
In a statement shared with Variety on Wednesday (April 15), a Victoria Police rep did not name Rose or Perry directly, but did confirm that detectives are looking into an assault alleged to have occurred in Melbourne circa 2010.
“Melbourne sexual offenses and child abuse investigation team (SOCIT) detectives are investigating [an alleged] historical sexual assault that occurred in Melbourne in 2010,” the rep said. “Police have been told the incident occurred at a licensed premises in Melbourne’s CBD. As the investigation remains ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”
TMZ was first to report on the police investigation.
As previously reported, Rose went public with the swiftly disputed claim this past weekend while replying to a post from Complex Music on Threads.
“Katy Perry sexual assaulted me at Spice Market nightclub in Melbourne,” the Orange Is the New Black and Batwoman actress wrote. “Who gives a shit what she thinks.”
Rose, 40, later elaborated on the claim, alleging that she was in her “early 20s” at the time. She also said she had spoken with police since going public.
“She 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 vomited on her,” she added in another post.
Through a spokesperson, Perry denied Rose’s claims, calling them “dangerous” and arguing that they are part of a larger pattern.
“The allegations being circulated on social media by Ruby Rose about Katy Perry are not only categorically false, they are dangerous reckless lies,” a rep for the 143 artist said earlier this week. “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 her latest statement shared to Threads, Rose said that she would “no longer be able” to speak publicly about her allegations.
“As of this afternoon, I have finalized all of my reports,” she said on Tuesday (April 14). “This means I am no longer able to comment, repost, or talk publicly about any of those cases, or the individuals involved. It’s going to look like I am ignoring everything from supportive messages, to other people’s experiences, but I’m not.”
Rose continued: “This is a standard request from the police and in many ways, quite the relief. I can start the healing process now. And temporarily move forward. I love you all so much.”
Complex has reached out to Victoria Police for comment. This story may be updated.
