Katy Perry Claims New Feminist Anthem Is ‘Satire’ Amid Backlash, Bad Reviews

Pop singer Katy Perry was being mocked for her new single so much that she eventually took to social media to claim the song was “satire.”

The 39-year-old recording artist released the song “Woman’s World” on Thursday as the first single off her upcoming album, “143.” But the song has gotten mixed reviews from both fans and critics, who claim the intended girl-power messaging doesn’t come through.

In the music video, Perry dances around in skimpy outfits while repeating the chorus line, “It’s a woman’s world and you’re lucky to be living in it.” At one point, the singer gets crushed by an anvil, then gets reinflated and keeps marching around streets filled with chaotic events. The song ends as she rides off in a helicopter holding the symbol for female gender.

“This is what a feminist video clip would look like if made by a guy,” one YouTube commenter wrote. 

“This feels like a parody of girl boss feminism,” another fan shared.

An X user called it “very cringe” while another said the single was “stuck in the early 2010s and not in a good way.”

Perry hit back on social media, writing, “YOU CAN DO ANYTHING! EVEN SATIRE!”

The singer also shared a behind-the-scenes clip, writing, “We’re kind of just having fun being a bit sarcastic with it. It’s very slapstick and very on the nose.”

Many viewers also criticized the pop star for working on the track with Dr. Luke (real name Lukasz Sebastian Gottwald), who was previously accused of sexual assault and abuse by the pop singer Kesha. Gottwald was never charged with any crimes and later sued Kesha for defamation.

“Working with Dr. Luke, are you serious? That’s not very feminist/ female empowerment. So disappointed,” an Instagram commenter wrote.

Critics also weren’t fans of the new single, with Vulture dubbing it “the stalest sort of retread.” The Cut reviewer said “Woman’s World” was “forgettable” and “cringe” while The Guardian also called it “regressive” and “dated.”