Benjamin Glaze, the contestant from “American Idol” who became an internet sensation after Katy Perry kissed him during his audition, has been taken into custody for allegedly having child pornography, according to TMZ.
As per a post on the Tulsa Police Department’s Facebook page, Glaze was apprehended following information received by their Sexual Predator/Digital Evidence Recovery Unit regarding his alleged possession of child sexual exploitation materials.
Authorities indicated they executed a search warrant, claiming that over 700 images and videos depicting child exploitation materials were found on his device.
Glaze was taken into custody on Friday afternoon and subsequently booked at the Tulsa County Jail. He managed to secure release on a $50,000 bond later that evening.
Fans of ‘Idol’ might recall Benjamin’s audition that gained tremendous traction in season 16 when he confided to the judges, including Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie that he had never kissed a girl – he was 19 at that time.
Although all three judges rejected his performance, Perry went ahead and kissed him, which prompted many viewers to criticize her online for making Glaze uncomfortable. Later, Glaze clarified that he did not feel that Perry had sexually assaulted him.
We have reached out to individuals connected to Benjamin, but as of now, there has been no response.