TV personality Ryan Seacrest is feeling the wrath of angry social media users after he was filmed creepily picking up American Idol host Katy Perry on live TV.
During the exchange, Seacrest commented on Perry’s mum’s good looks, who was present in the audience at the time.
He then goes onto say Perry herself is also very attractive, though not yet a mum, and proceeds to insinuate he’d be happy to change that.
Despite Perry telling Seacrest, “We’re on,” he continued to lay on the (incredibly uncomfortable) charm.
“Your mum’s pretty,” he told her.
“My mum?!” Perry responded.
In an attempt to steer away from the conversation, Perry added, “Well, I hope the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
Having still not cottoned on the show had finished ad break and was now filming them, Seacrest persisted, “You are, too. But you’re not a mum … yet.”
“Not yet,” Perry replied uncomfortably.
“You wanna talk about it?” Seacrest asked.
At that point, fellow judge Lionel Richie chimed in with, “Don’t start.”
After this, Seacrest and the judges realised they were on live TV and got back to the show.
The exchange has been met with fierce criticism from viewers, with online communities sharing their disappointment in Seacrest, and some calling it a textbook “MeToo moment” in the workplace.
Did #RyanSeacrest just ask @katyperry if she "wanted to talk" about not having kids yet? Maybe I heard it wrong. Plus was he hitting on her mom? Very awkward and uncomfortable. #AmericanIdol
— Chris Griffin (@ChrisGriffin_VA) May 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/povpaul/status/995836707533742080
https://twitter.com/AliveInPhilly/status/995879722469986304
katy perry literally had to tell ryan seacrest that the cameras were rolling and he continues to hit on her, asks if she’s a mom and says “you wanna talk about it??” after she says no. what’s going on i’m uncomfortable #AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/ichf6TWGoh
— nova (@MULANEIUM) May 14, 2018
Watch the entire exchange here:
https://youtu.be/KprowORNg2I