Katy Perry Insists New Song ‘Women’s World’ is Satire Amid Criticism

Katy Perry has opened up about her new single “Woman’s World,” a song that aims to promote female empowerment, amidst criticism surrounding her collaboration with men, including Dr. Luke, who was involved in a legal battle with Kesha.

The 39-year-old sings, “It’s a woman’s world and you’re lucky to be livin’ in it (Uh-huh, uh-huh) / It’s a woman’s world and you’re lucky to be livin’ in it (Uh-huh, uh-huh; you better)/ You better celebrate (Celebrate)/ ’Cause, baby, we ain’t goin’ away (Oh)/ It’s a woman’s world and you’re lucky to be livin’ in it (Uh-huh).” The music video, released on Friday, July 12, features a female-dominated world where the “Fireworks” singer channels her inner Rosie the Riveter and navigates through a chaotic environment, including a cameo by internet personality Trisha Paytas.

While the song’s central theme is girl power, its creation has sparked controversy online. One user commented on Katy’s X post, “It was co-written by six people, four of whom are men. It’s produced by three men, one of whom is Dr. Luke, who was accused of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse by Kesha. The video is also directed by a man. LOL.”

In response, Katy described the song’s concept as “satire.” She shared via an Instagram video shot on set, “We’re being a bit sarcastic with it… It’s very slapstick, very on the nose. And with this set, it’s like we, ooh, we’re not about the male gaze, but we really are the male gaze. And we’re really overplaying it, which is like a reset for me, and a reset for my idea of the feminine divine.”

Fans expressed disappointment because they believed a song about female empowerment should have involved more women in its creation. One user questioned, “A woman’s empowerment song produced by Dr. Luke?.”

Dr. Luke, a 50-year-old producer, has been a controversial figure due to his legal dispute with Kesha, who accused him of drugging and raping her.

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