Katy Perry accused of 'bullying' and 'mum-shaming' American Idol contestant

Katy Perry is well-known these days for not just being a singer, but also as a host of American Idol.

Now, an appearance on the popular talent show has seen the 'I Kissed A Girl' hitmaker, 38, get into hot water - as she's been accused of 'bullying' and 'mum-shaming' a contestant.

It all went down on a recent episode of the show that aired on 5 March, where mum-of-three Sara Beth Liebe, 25, attempted to impress the judges with a rendition of Amy Winehouse's 'You Know I'm No Good'.

As she sang, Perry interrupted the young mum, who she had previously said was 'lying on the table too much' for having so many kids, and said: "Come on, we need more!"

Then, as soon as Liebe finished, Perry said, "That's not enough", which prompted the aspiring singer to perform Elton John's 'Bennie and the Jets'.

This clearly went down a lot better with the judges who all clapped, including Perry.

But when it came to the judges' feedback on her performance, Perry appeared less than impressed with the visibly excited contestant.

In fact, she went as far as to describe the 25-year-old as a 'comic strip character just came to life'.

ABC

Having previously interrogated the young mum about whether music was her big dream and being unable to get an answer, Perry told her: "Look, if it's not your dream, it's not going to go far.

"I also respect everyone who's walking through that door who will lay down their life for this golden ticket."

But despite her seemingly harsh words, Liebe did manage to get a yes from all of the judges and proceed to the next round.

Social media commentators, meanwhile, were quick to comment on Perry's treatment of the mum-of-three.

ABC

One viewer slammed: "Who says she can't be her own character!!! Let her be. She sings amazing."

"Boo to Katy Perry for mom shaming Sara Beth," added a second. "Insinuating that she has been 'laying on the table too much' to have 3 kids by age 25. A young mother following a dream while raising her children should be raised up not put down. #AmericanIdol."

A third added: "Katy Perry bullying Sara on American Idol should get her taken off as a judge. Didn’t even give her a chance to prove her self. Before Katy started putting her down."

But not everyone was so critical of Perry, as some thought she was simply trying to help the aspiring singer.

"Being honest is now bullying," added another viewer.

"Katy Perry judging a contestant on a show that judges contestants?" questioned another. "Shocking. Ever heard of @SimonCowell?"

What do you think?