American IdolContestant Who Objected to Katy Perry Kiss Is Accused of Possessing Child Sex Abuse Material

Mar. 15, 2025

Benjamin Glaze mugshot (left); and Benjamin Glaze on American Idol in 2018.Photo:Tulsa Police Department; Mark Levine/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Tulsa Police Department; Mark Levine/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Benjamin Glaze, 26, was arrested on Friday, Oct. 18, following a months-long investigation, police in Tulsa, Okla.,announced.

Tulsa police said in their Friday statement that the department was tipped off about Glaze’s alleged “criminal activity” in April of this year.

After executing a search warrant of his residence, investigators retrieved evidence that allegedly had child sex abuse materials, per the statement.

“During the search, a smartphone was recovered that was found to contain over 700 images and videos of child sexual abuse material,” Tulsa police said.

Benjamin Glaze on American Idol in 2018.ABC/DIsney

Glaze is a formerAmerican Idolcontestant, appearing in the show’s 2018 series.

Glaze, then 19, later said he was“uncomfortable” with the kiss, because he wanted to save his first kiss for a “special” someone, according to an interview withThe New York Times.

He later clarified that he did not consider it sexual harassment.

Benjamin Glaze and Katy Perry on American Idol in 2018.Mark Levine/ABC

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Glaze is being held at the Tulsa County Jail on a charge of aggravated possession of child sexual abuse material, per Tulsa police.

Online court information shows he has not retained an attorney and did not indicate if he has entered a plea.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

source: people.com