Obama, Katy Perry team up for domestic abuse message at Grammys

President Barack Obama made a surprise appearance at the 57th annual Grammy Awards to deliver a message about rape and domestic violence.

"Right now nearly 1 in 5 women America has been a victim of rape or attempted rape," he said.

"It's not OK and it has to stop," Mr. Obama continued in video recording. "Artists have a unique power to change minds and attitudes and getting us talking and thinking about what matters."

It was all part of the ItsOnUs.org initiative, which urges people to make a pledge to stop violence.

"And to the artists at the Grammys tonight, I ask you to ask your fans to do it too," he added.

Following Mr. Obama's message, Brooke Axtell, a survivor of domestic violence, took the stage to tell her story: "If you're in a relationship with someone who does not honor or respect you, I want you to know you are worthy of love. Please reach out for help."

Katy Perry then appeared on stage to perform her survival anthem "By the Grace of God."