Katy Perry's VMAs Speech Was Peak Performative Feminism

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"I did that all on my first day of my period, too."

Warning: Brief discussion of rape.

Katy Perry's speech at the 2024 VMAs gave an unfortunate amount of performative feminism.

Dressed in a flowing, intricate gown, this person poses confidently on the red carpet at the MTV VMAs event. Their style is elegant and attention-grabbing

This year, Katy took home the Video Vanguard award. In celebration, she gave a performance compiled of her greatest hits, as well as some songs from her upcoming album 143.

Katy Perry performs suspended in the air amidst smoke, wearing stage attire with metallic accents and long boots

After the performance, she accepted her award onstage from husband Orlando Bloom. She began, "Thank you. I did that all on my first day of my period, too. Can you believe it?"

Katy Perry singing into a microphone while holding a trophy, dressed in a futuristic beige bodysuit on stage

Thanking MTV for believing in her "weirdness," she continued, "There are no decade-long accidents. So, I would like to acknowledge a few people on my team who have been with me for over 20 years, direct management, and my label, Capitol Records. Trust me, it takes a village of strong people, a lot of healthy discourse, and a lot of group chats, my parents and my family, the deepest roots I know."

Katy Perry, wearing a futuristic bodysuit with metallic and translucent elements, holding a golden award and speaking into a microphone on stage

Thanking her fans, the "LGBTQ community," and her family, Katy said, "I've heard a lot of, 'Do this, don't say that. Wear less, wear more. Now, hey, don't cut your hair.' One of the biggest reasons I'm standing here right now is I learned how to block out all the noise that every single artist in this industry has to constantly fight against, especially women."

Katy Perry stands on stage holding a trophy and microphone, wearing a futuristic, form-fitting outfit with black accents and tall boots

"I just want to say with my whole heart, do whatever it takes to stay true to yourself and true to your art. Turn off social media. Safeguard your mental health, pause, touch grass, and do what you were born to do, just like I was born to do this," she concluded before plugging Sept. 20 as the release date for 143.

Singer Katy Perry performs energetically on stage with a group of male dancers dressed in futuristic attire, each making powerful poses

Perhaps this would be fine in a vacuum, but it's worth reminding ourselves why Katy has faced so much social media criticism lately. That would be because she continues to collaborate with producer Dr. Luke, including on her "female empowerment" single "Woman's World." That would be the same Dr. Luke that has been accused of drugging and raping Kesha (he has denied the allegations).

Dr. Luke and Katy Perry smiling, holding ASCAP awards on stage; Katy Perry wears a fitted patterned dress and red medal

When recently asked why she worked with Dr. Luke on her upcoming album, Katy said, "Look, I understand that it started a lot of conversations. He was one of many collaborators that I collaborated with. But the reality is, it comes from me. The truth is, I wrote these songs from my experience of my whole life going through this metamorphosis. And he was one of the people to help facilitate all that. One of the writers, one of the producers." She then promptly said she felt "so empowered now as a mother, as a woman."

Katy Perry dressed in a sparkling bikini and construction-worker themed outfit, holding a power drill with sparks flying, posing dramatically against an industrial backdrop

Yeah, I'm good without touching grass.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE), which routes the caller to their nearest sexual assault service provider. You can also search for your local center here.

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