Content warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault and emotional abuse.
When Katy Perry told the internet to “get ready to pop off,” we don’t think this is what she meant.
On July 18, Perry began her first album rollout in four years, announcing her new single ‘WOMAN’S WORLD.’ Set for a July 11 release, it will be the first track from her currently-untitled record, which fans have dubbed KP6.
Perry announced the song via Instagram, uploading a photograph of herself posing in a white crochet bikini and robot legs. However, it wasn’t just the singer’s new tech that got followers talking.
Following Perry’s announcement, Rolling Stone reported that she had reconnected with various producers who worked on her hit 2010s albums, Teenage Dream and Prism. A source from Perry’s label, Capitol Records, told the publication that this KP6 production roster included Dr. Luke.
Alongside fellow producer Max Martin, Gottwald had a hand in crafting some of Perry’s biggest songs, including ‘I Kissed A Girl,’ ‘California Gurls,’ ‘Dark Horse’ and ‘Roar’.
The reported collaboration comes seven years after Perry became involved in Dr. Luke’s legal battle with fellow singer, Kesha. In 2014, Kesha accused Dr. Luke of sexual assaulting her in 2005, alleging he had threatened to “shut her career down” if she spoke about it publicly. Dr. Luke denied the allegations and rsponded with a lawsuit of his own, suing Kesha for defamation.
The singer chose to drop her lawsuit in 2016. Dr. Luke’s defamation suit was not settled until last year, after which Kesha parted ways with the record label he founded, Kemosabe Records.
In 2020, court documents detailed a text exchange that occurred between Kesha and fellow pop star, Lady Gaga. In the messages, Kesha claimed that Perry had been “raped by the same man,” referring to Dr. Luke. Perry testified that this was not the case and the judge said there was “no evidence whatsoever” to support Kesha’s claim that Perry had been raped by him.
Kesha—who was friends with Perry while they were both coming up in the mid-2000s—seemingly responded to the Rolling Stone article on June 19, simply tweeting “lol.”
Is Katy Perry Working With Dr. Luke?
Despite Rolling Stone reporting his involvement, Perry and Dr. Luke are yet to confirm whether they have, in fact, collaborated on her upcoming sixth studio album.
The producer previously worked on hit songs from the star’s first three records.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
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