Content Advisory: This article discusses sexual assault allegations and an ongoing investigation. Reader discretion is advised.
Katy Perry’s reported World Cup performance is already turning into a problem online.
The ‘I Kissed A Girl’ singer has reportedly been tapped to headline the U.S. opening ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The performance is expected to take place on June 12 at SoFi Stadium, where the U.S. men’s national team will face Paraguay.
That should be a massive career moment. Instead, the news has sparked backlash from soccer fans and social media users who are pointing to Perry’s recent controversy involving allegations from Ruby Rose.
Katy Perry Reportedly Set For World Cup Opening Ceremony
FIFA is reportedly planning separate opening performances before the first group-stage matches in host countries Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
According to reports, Perry is expected to lead the U.S. ceremony. Other performers tied to the festivities include Future, Los Angeles-based DJ Sanjoy, Lisa, and Marilina Bogado.
Perry’s name brought immediate attention. It also brought criticism.
After Pop Crave shared news of the performance on X, users quickly questioned FIFA’s choice.
“Why is someone under investigation for sexual assault performing?” one user asked.
Another wrote that “they could’ve picked someone better.”
A third mocked the selection, writing, “Katy Perry opening the World Cup feels like FIFA found an old 2014 playlist and said, ‘yeah, this still works!’”
Others accused organizers of trying to revive Perry’s relevance, while one critic called the choice a “shame for FIFA fans.”
Josh Kloss Claim Resurfaces Online
The backlash comes as another past claim involving Perry has resurfaced.
Josh Kloss, who appeared as Perry’s love interest in her ‘Teenage Dream’ music video, previously claimed that Perry exposed him in front of other guests at a 2012 party without his consent.
Kloss first spoke publicly about the alleged incident in 2019. He said he felt humiliated and embarrassed, claiming Perry laughed it off while he did not view it as a joke.
The resurfaced account has added to the scrutiny around Perry, especially as fans revisit older stories about her behavior while the Ruby Rose allegations remain in the news.
Ruby Rose Allegations Keep Perry Under Scrutiny
Perry has also faced recent allegations from Australian actress Ruby Rose, who accused the singer of assaulting her at the Spice Market nightclub.
Police in Melbourne have confirmed they are investigating an alleged incident. Perry has denied the claim.
The controversy has led some social media users to accuse Perry of repeatedly crossing boundaries. One user claimed, “Katy Perry’s abuse has been well documented and recorded over the years,” while others said they were not surprised by the latest allegations.
As the investigation continues, older details from the night have also resurfaced. Footage reportedly showed Perry at a high school prom event in August 2010, where she joined students onstage for Beyoncé’s ‘Single Ladies’. Rose was reportedly with Perry that night, though she did not appear in the footage or photos.
A former manager of the now-closed nightclub later said he did not witness anything inappropriate and remembered the pair leaving on friendly terms after drinking heavily. He also said he saw no signs that anyone had been sick that evening, which differs from Rose’s account.
For now, Perry’s World Cup booking has not been officially overshadowed by a canceled appearance. Still, the reaction online shows the issue is not going away quietly.
