Katy Perry feels 'sad' for man who thought he was dating her for six years

In an episode of Catfish, Spencer believes he's been in an online relationship with Katy Perry. Photo / YouTube, Getty Images

Katy Perry says she "feels bad" for the man who thought he'd been dating the chart-topping pop star for six years.

In a new interview, Perry said the story of Spencer Morrill - who was duped by a British woman into thinking she was the Roar singer - made her "sad".

Morrill's story appeared on an episode of Catfish, an MTV show which tracks those behind online scams and fake relationships.

Spencer believed he'd been having an online relationship with Perry for six years, despite never having met her and only talking to her on the phone once.

Perry told SiriusXM the story had upset her and she'd struggled to read the story when someone sent her a link.

"You know, like, my heart goes out to (him) actually because anybody that's been fooled like that or just, you know ... people have dreams, and people live in different parts of world where not everything is always so accessible," she said.

"I felt bad for him, and so I didn't really like to indulge in that. Someone sent me a link and I didn't actually read through it because I just think it's really unfortunate and very sad."

Morrill believed the ruse for six years, despite never meeting his "girlfriend".

"She's awesome. Katy's funnier than I am, she's smarter than I am. I don't know how many people give her credit for that, but she's very intelligent. Katy's full of life, huge heart," Spencer told Catfish.

The Tennessee resident believed he'd been sent unreleased songs by Perry, and had traded emails, text messages and videos with her. He had bought her an engagement ring using "25 per cent" of his savings, and said they said, "I love you" to each other all the time.

When Catfish caught up with Harriet, she told the show she was "genuinely sorry" for the scam.

"I can't really change what I did, but I understand it was really wrong,"