Singer Katy Perry kissed a contestant on American Idol and he did not like it.
But Benjamin Glaze has downplayed some backlash aimed at Perry, who is a judge on the show.
The 19-year-old said on Wednesday he did not think he was sexually harassed.
The singer from Oklahoma said he was uncomfortable when Perry kissed him on the lips as he auditioned during the show’s two-night season opener on ABC.
He said he had never been kissed before, and he needed some water before singing Nick Jonas’ Levels, which Perry called “a bit rushed”.
Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan did not send Glaze to the next round.
Glaze said on Instagram: “I am not complaining about the kiss, I am very honored and thankful to have been apart of American Idol. The main purpose for the show is to find stars and new music artist.
“I do wish I would have performed better in the moment. I should have picked another song to sing and calmed myself down regardless of the kiss. I should have been able to perform under pressure.
“I do not think I was sexually harassed by Katy Perry and I am thankful for the judges comments and critiques. I was uncomfortable in a sense of how I have never been kissed before and was not expecting it.
“My main goal is to reach people through the universal love of music and not cause strife or anger against anyone or about any situation!”