‘American Idol’ Contestant Stands Up For Katy Perry Against Mounting Criticism: “Katy Is Not A Bully”

American Idol contestant Oliver Steele defended Katy Perry amid rumors the judge may be departing the show after facing mounting backlash this season. 

“I’ve seen a lot of rumors going around the internet about Katy Perry possibly leaving idol and I don’t necessarily know what’s true and what’s not. Here is what I know about @katyperry,” Steele wrote in a social media post shared this weekend. “Katy is not a bully, nor does she shame people.”

The caption continued, “Katy has an incredible ability to not just tell what emotional state you’re in, but to be able to tell what’s holding you back. I love all the judges, but Katy always seemed to be able to look into my soul and tell exactly what was troubling me, or what it was I was struggling with.”

Steele wrote, “I’m a better musician and artist after Katy Perry pushed me to believe in my potential, and to exceed my limitations.”

Season 21 kicked off on the wrong foot when Perry was accused of mom-shaming contestant Sara Beth Lieb during her audition. Lieb later left the show early so she could be with her family. The rest of the season went downhill from there for the judge as she continued to receive backlash from fans and viewers at home.

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Perry was later criticized for tricking the contestants into thinking they were being sent home. Viewers called the joke “psychological warfare” and called her “a mean girl.” She was also booed for the very first time this season after she advised a contestant to lay off the glitter.

Previous reports said Perry wasn’t “fazed by the backlash,” but sources recently claimed Perry has considered not returning to the show after this season. Sources said she believes she’s being “thrown under the bus by producers” and made to look like the “nasty judge.”

“[Katy’s decision to quit] is not a money thing,” a source told The Daily Mail last month. “For her, it is starting to be more of a legacy issue. She does not want her career defined by a talent competition show where she isn’t even performing.”

American Idol airs Sundays and Mondays at 8/7c on ABC.