Pop star Katy Perry and former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau have been facing backlash on the Internet over a video of the two at the World Economic
Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday. The Female Quotient, an organisation which promotes gender equality in the workplace, shared a video Perry and Trudeau at the organisation's Equality Lounge, a space it hosts at the forum to spotlight discussions on gender bias, pay gaps and women's leadership. The Female Quotient said Perry had "snuck in" to the lounge to support Trudeau during an event in which he appeared alongside his former chief of staff, Katie Telford. In its caption, the organisation said the appearance was a reminder that "showing up matters". "Canada's former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his girlfriend, pop star Katy Perry, joined us in the FQ Lounge at #WEF26," the post said. "Katy was supporting Justin as he and Katie Telford … reminded us that it's not enough to just notice a lack of women and diversity in the room; we have to design systems that actually bring women and under-represented voices forward and give them space to lead."
💕 Stolen Signals in the Midst of Davos Magic 😭❤️
While the world discussed big ideas, Justin Trudeau on stage and Katy Perry in the front row couldn’t stop exchanging those sweet little glances, winks, and secret signals…
Oh my heart -they are SO deeply in love! 🥹✨ The… pic.twitter.com/mBw2UG0fhQ— Ananda Nepali (@anandanepali99) January 21, 2026
The post prompted mixed reactions from followers. Some questioned why the organisation, which focuses on women's empowerment in business, highlighted the personal relationship of two high-profile figures.
"This ain't it. Celebrities sitting around philosophizing while taking no actual steps to uplift women shouldn't be getting your amplification," wrote one user, adding: "Who cares who Justin or Katy is dating?"
Another supporter said the post did not reflect the group's usual values. "I've been a supporter of The Female Quotient for years because of its commitment to empowering women," one comment read. "That said, not every woman or public figure represents the kind of empowerment that helps advance other women's dreams."
Others raised concerns about Trudeau's record in office. Dr Niloofar Dehghan, an orthopaedic trauma surgeon, wrote that it was "disappointing" to see the post, adding that while Trudeau "talks the talk", he had previously dismissed women in his administration who, she said, challenged him on ethical grounds.
However, a few followers of the two also came up for their support. "I was in the room and it was a superb conversation," one user wrote. A fan page dedicated to Ms Perry said critics were overlooking her "decades of actively supporting women in the music industry".
At the forum this week, Trudeau spoke publicly about global politics and trade. According to Canadian media, he emphasised the importance of Canada's "soft power" and argued for free trade policies that promote women's equality, environmental protection and high labour standards.
"Never underestimate the resolve, the motivation and strength of people standing up to defend their sovereignty, their identity, their very existence," he was quoted as saying.
He also warned of what he described as a global "backsliding of democracies and democratic values".
Trudeau served as Canada's prime minister from November 2015 until November 2025. He stepped down last year and was succeeded by Mark Carney.
