Katy Perry has angered Britney Spears fans after she made a joke about the singer’s mental breakdown in 2007.
The ‘California Gurls’ singer answered a question about having taken a break between albums on the red carpet at the Grammys last night (February 12), saying: “That’s called taking care of your mental health”.
When presenter Ryan Seacrest asked her how her time off had gone, she replied: “Fantastic. And I haven’t shaved my head yet”.
Spears was pictured shaving her head after reportedly leaving rehab almost exactly a decade ago in February 2007.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ph3Nlh6eSE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DnkM_n83-I
Perry also appeared to reference Spears’ public breakdown in another interview.
“It’s like the last colour in the spectrum that I can do,” she said, talking about her hair,” she said.
“I’ve done all of them and the only thing left to do is shave my head, which I’m really saving for a public breakdown. I’m down for that. I’m almost moments away from that, obviously.”
Many fans took to Twitter to lambast Perry. One wrote: “Have always liked Katy Perry very much, have even met her. But after what she said last night, I’ve lost a lot of respect for her…Making a joke about mental health issues isnt OK.”
Another said: “We’re demanding you issue an apology to Britney Spears. 1500 words minimum. MLA Format. Submitted via instagram. Due by midnight.”
“@katyperry U should apologize to @britneyspears. Shame on u Katy. She never shades anyone,” wrote another.
Have always liked Katy Perry very much, have even met her. But after what she said last night, I've lost a lot of respect for her…
— DailySpears (@DailySpears) February 13, 2017
Making a joke about mental health issues isnt OK, @katyperry! ✋?
— DailySpears (@DailySpears) February 13, 2017
We're demanding you issue an apology to Britney Spears. 1500 words minimum. MLA Format. Submitted via instagram. Due by midnight. @katyperry
— cody (@codyspearz) February 13, 2017
@katyperry U should apologize to @britneyspears. Shame on u Katy. She never shades anyone.
— Veronica (@Ashaly91) February 13, 2017
Even if it is aimed at @britneyspears . It is NEVER ok to joke about mental health, stop adding to the stigma @katyperry
— T?M (@tomjamesf) February 13, 2017
1 minute I'm praising Katy Perry for her "resist" performance then I hear her mean comments about mental health & Britney Spears. #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/3xk5COWAEL
— ?Audra Wise? (@WiseAudra) February 13, 2017
Perry performed her new single ‘Chained To The Rhythm‘ on the night.
The singer was dressed in a white tuxedo for the anti-Trump performance, which ended with a ‘We The People’ backdrop. Watch below.
A LEGEND: KATY PERRY #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/WjNbuJTcRh
— ✴️ (@KittenKatyPerry) February 13, 2017
Perry’s performance followed that of Ed Sheeran, Adele, The Weeknd and Daft Punk, Bruno Mars and an epic showstopper from Beyonce.
The 59th annual Grammy Awards was hosted by James Corden.