Benjamin Glaze, a former contestant on the reality show “American Idol” who gained notoriety after being kissed by Katy Perry during his audition, has been arrested on child pornography charges.
According to a statement from the Tulsa Police Department’s Sexual Predator/Digital Evidence Recovery Unit, Glaze was taken into custody following a tip that he possessed child sexual abuse material.
A search warrant executed at his residence reportedly uncovered over 700 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse on his smartphone.
Glaze was arrested on Friday and booked into the Tulsa County Jail. He was charged with aggravated possession of child pornography and released later that night on a $50,000 bond.
Glaze appeared on season 16 of “American Idol,” during which he revealed to the judges that he had never kissed a girl before.
Perry’s surprise kiss during his audition generated significant online discussion, with some viewers expressing concern about Glaze’s comfort level. He later clarified that he did not feel sexually assaulted by Perry.
