Katy Perry’s “mental health” joke uttered on the Grammys red carpet didn’t sit too well with Britney Spears fans. An army of them say Perry cruelly referenced the pop star who shaved her head almost a decade ago while in the midst of a mental breakdown.
“We’re demanding you issue an apology to Britney Spears. 1500 words minimum. MLA Format. Submitted via instagram. Due by midnight,” wrote one user on Sunday.
“@katyperry U should apologize to @britneyspears. Shame on u Katy. She never shades anyone,” wrote another.
At the Grammys, Perry was talking to Ryan Seacrest on the red carpet when Seacrest asked her about taking a break between albums. She responded, “That’s called taking care of your mental health.”
When Seacrest then followed up about how her time off had been, Perry said, “Fantastic. And I haven’t shaved my head yet.” In another interview, the “Chained to the Rhythm” singer talked about her hair, saying “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.”
Spears was seen shaving her head during a public meltdown after leaving a rehab facility in February 2007.
But Perry and Spears have a history of, if not friendship, collaboration — leaving others to speculate whether the “Part of Me” singer simply made a poor choice of words, not intending to disparage the “Slumber Party” pop star. Perry appeared on the song “Passengers” for Spears’ eighth studio album, “Britney Jean.” The duo wrote the song with Sia, Andrew Swanson and Diplo.
Representatives for Perry and Spears have not yet responded to TheWrap’s request for comment.
See tweets about Perry’s comments below.
https://twitter.com/codyspearz/status/831024068816158720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
@katyperry U should apologize to @britneyspears. Shame on u Katy. She never shades anyone.
— Veronica (@Ashaly91) February 13, 2017
https://twitter.com/DjFinalTrip/status/831160344500457473
https://twitter.com/KiwiDollYT/status/830951526122258436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
When @katyperry says she took a mental health break but shades Britney's hard time. Good luck with your new album. #GRAMMYs
— Brittany Wurfel (@brittwurfel) February 13, 2017
When @britneyspears lowest moment is more iconic than your whole career @katyperry pic.twitter.com/6bFmuTivar
— Japz (@JPSDN) February 13, 2017
https://twitter.com/mattstopera/status/830940654360465408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/tkylemac/status/830937944336846850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/karmandabynes/status/830941782284312576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/Paula_PawsUp/status/830939504559153156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/samantha_barham/status/830935927107235840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Absolutely disgusted with @katyperry. Who is she to attack @britneyspears about mental health?! Officially done with Katy. #KatyIsOverParty pic.twitter.com/dPLeaHhfe8
— Matt | Fan Account (@BraveNewMatt) February 13, 2017
https://twitter.com/TeganZayne/status/830936818593984514