Perry speaks out over knife picture

Katy Perry has refuted claims that she condones knife crime by posing with a blade for a publicity shot.

The 'I Kissed A Girl' singer, who is to host the MTV European Music Awards in Liverpool next month, was criticised by anti-knife campaigners for being pictured holding a three-inch flick knife in a leaked snap.

A spokesperson for the 23-year-old singer told MTV: "Katy Perry is against all violence. The photo in question was taken in 2005 and is in no way related to the current events in the UK."

Perry's "edgy" publicity photograph emerged following the death of 16-year-old army cadet Joey Lappin, who was stabbed "without provocation" in Liverpool and died from his injuries.