What Happened to Real Journalism? Katy Perry Defends Collaborating with Dr. Luke on New Album
“Eww, no. Journalism is dead.” – Julia Reed, Inventing Anna (2022)
Remember when Julia refused a job that could have helped her to stop milking money from her parents, since they were, like, trying to cut her off? When her dad proposed a solution—a favor he could call in—she responded with, “Eww, no. Journalism is dead.” Well, well, well, how times have changed.
Katy Perry recently appeared on the Call Her Daddy podcast, where she was asked by its host about her decision to work with Dr. Luke again, despite the producer being accused of verbal and sexual assault by singer Kesha. Dr. Luke is responsible for much of Perry’s early success, and so, since this is her comeback moment, she decided to put the gear in reverse and bring back her tried-and-true collaborator.
They say journalism is dead, but after the Call Her Daddy interview, many fans were pleading online for real journalism to return—“Why are these celebrities going on podcasts? We need Wendy Williams back!”
“Please, bring back real journalism. Barbara Walters would have asked the tough questions!” Many fans wanted Perry to take accountability for aligning herself with a known predator while making music that supports women’s empowerment. It’s undeniably hypocritical and screams desperation. Whether it's fans or spectators, no one is going to buy into an act that appears to need them for validation. No one likes to feel obligated to anyone, and fans are no different.
So, what did fans expect? And isn’t it a bit odd that fans will support Chris Brown but bash Katy Perry? In a recent Twitter post, Kehlani shared an image of her and Chris Brown. While there was some backlash toward the female singer, Brown continues to have a career and is repeatedly propped up as the next Michael Jackson. So, is it different just because it’s Katy Perry? These women aren’t the perpetrators, but they are the ones getting the most hate and heat for associating with the likes of Brown and Luke.
What could real journalism bring to the table? For starters, it would call a spade a spade and stop pushing artists who commit heinous acts, as well as those who associate with them. For example, Tinashe publicly distanced herself from Brown and was bashed for it, so much so that she almost went into hiding. Kehlani also removed Tory Lanez from one of her most popular songs after he was convicted in the trial against Megan Thee Stallion, but yet, she finds it okay to pose with Chris Brown. Summer Walker was also seen backstage at his 11:11 tour. Will anyone be held accountable aside from the women? The short answer is obviously no.
I say all of this to make one point: Can we really just be mad at Katy Perry and podcast hosts for not asking the "hard questions" when it's hard to take fandom seriously these days anyway? If real journalism is going to return, then so should the music gatekeepers. And if that’s the case, a lot of your faves won’t ever see a stage again in their lifetime. Ice Spice selling 28k albums in her first week would have immediately sent her back to the Bronx with a hefty bill to repay. We can’t have one without the other—real journalism means tough conversations and placing the spotlight on those who truly deserve it.
In today's internet-driven world, it’s so easy to find overnight success, and podcasts are getting more views than even music videos. So it makes you wonder: Will fans start to shift how they consume music and the people they choose to make stars? Because, let’s face it, one viral song and the label comes knocking. Once that’s done, it's upwards and onwards—win, lose, or draw, the label will shove that artist in your face until they recoup their investment.
Overall, Katy Perry’s mistake isn’t that she worked with Dr. Luke—it’s that she’s a woman who decided to work with Dr. Luke. And that’s something only a real journalist can admit.
by Venus Sanders