'American Idol' Contestant Oliver Steele Defends Katy Perry Against 'Bullying' Allegations

etonline.com:

alum Oliver Steele clapped back at accusations about Katy Perry's bullying last week, penning a defense of the singer on Instagram.  «I've seen a lot of rumors going around the internet about Katy Perry possibly leavingand I don't necessarily know what’s true and what's not.

Here is what I know about @katyperry,» the 24-year-old musician wrote. Steele made it to the Top 8 on season 21 of last month, where Iam Tongi was crowned winner.

Perry clashed with several contestants during the show's most recent run, notably for comments that contestant Sarah Beth Liebe said she felt were «mom shaming.» Since then, fans have speculated that Perry may not return as a judge for future seasons. «Katy is not a bully, nor does she shame people,» Steele wrote on Instagram. «I remember being nervous at my audition, nervous during Hollywood week, hell even nervous throughout various points in the competition.

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.