Yahoo News American Idol faces controversy after Katy Perry "mum-shaming" joke
American Idol is facing controversy following a comment made by judge Katy Perry towards contestant Sara Beth Liebe.
During her audition, when the aspiring singer was revealed to be a mum of three at 25, the judge stood up in shock.
"If Katy lays on the table, I think I'm going to pass out," Liebe said.
"Honey, you've been laying on the table too much," Perry quipped, seemingly referring to the contestant being a young mum.
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Moving through to the next stage and performing over the weekend, Liebe has since decided to exit the talent competition to return to her children. The singer informed judges Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan on Sunday (April 2) night, following a performance of The Police's hit 'Roxanne'.
"This opportunity is really rad, but this is actually gonna be my last performance 'cause my heart's at home," she said, adding: "So I'm gonna get home to my babies. They kinda need me. So thank you."
The three judges urged Liebe to come back, with Perry pleading: "Sara Beth, I know life is scary. I also know that it's easier to walk away than to be rejected. But then I also know that you lose out on your fullest potential. Remember that self-love is just as big as motherly love. Don't leave the competition."
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Whether the exit is directly related to the attention surrounding the joke is unclear, but Liebe has since addressed the incident on TikTok.
"While I was on the show, there was a joke [she air quotes] that was made that's got some attention. Katy Perry made a joke that wasn't super kind. It was embarrassing to have that on TV and it was hurtful.
"I think that women supporting and uplifting other women is so cool, and I think that mum-shaming is super lame," she finally said, before thanking fans for their support.
Digital Spy has reached out to Perry's representatives for comment, and she has not yet publicly addressed the incident.
American Idol airs on ABC.
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