In brief
Justin Trudeau, the former Canadian Prime Minister, stirred controversy by skipping Canada’s World Cup opener to watch a Katy‑Perry performance at a U.S. match. He defended his decision as “supportive boyfriend duties” on social media, fueling a wave of negative comments from Canadian fans. Critics accused him of disrespecting the nation’s effort and branded him a traitor. The incident highlighted tensions between personal choices and public expectations during high‑profile sporting events.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has come under fire after he chose to miss Canada’s first World Cup match in favour of attending a U.S. game where pop superstar Katy Perry performed.
In a brief post he explained, “Sometimes supportive boyfriend duties call. But you know who I’m rooting for to take the Cup,” adding the Canadian flag emoji.
The opening matches in Toronto and Los Angeles took place just hours apart, with Canada drawing 1-1 against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United States defeating Paraguay 4-1 with a 21:00 EDT kickoff.
Cameras caught Perry greeting Trudeau with a kiss after the concert, and footage shown the pair enjoying beer while dancing in the stands.
Online backlash was swift: a Toronto X user called it “a slap in the face of this country,” while others branded Trudeau a “traitor” and “fraud.”
Trudeau and Perry, who publicly confirmed their relationship in December 2025, have been linked since July 2025. Trudeau, who was married to TV host Sophie Grégoire for 18 years, broke up in 2023 and has three children. Perry was formerly married to comedian Russell Brand.
