Katy Perry Faces Backlash for Performing at Israeli Company Event in Thailand
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
American singer Katy Perry faced online backlash and insults after performing at a private event for employees of the Israeli company Wiz in Thailand. Critics accused her of supporting Israel and used offensive language, linking the concert payment to the Gaza conflict. The performance occurred during Wiz's celebration of its acquisition by Google for approximately $29.5 billion. Perry has not commented on the criticism.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Katy Perry faced online backlash for performing at a private event for Israeli company Wiz in Thailand.
- Critics used offensive terms like "Zionist bitch" and linked the concert to the Gaza conflict.
- The concert was part of Wiz's celebration of its acquisition by Google for approximately $29.5 billion.
- The event cost an estimated $3-4 million, including Katy Perry's performance fee.
- Perry has not publicly responded to the criticism.
American singer Katy Perry has been subjected to online criticism and insults following a private concert for employees of the Israeli cybersecurity company Wiz in Thailand. The performance took place during the company's celebration of its acquisition by Google. Pro-Palestinian social media users accused Perry of supporting Israel and condemned her decision to perform for employees of Wiz, a company co-founded by Israeli entrepreneur Assaf Rappaport. Some commenters used offensive language, including the term "Zionist bitch." Critics linked the concert's payment to the suffering of Gaza residents and suggested Perry performed due to financial difficulties. Manipulated images depicting food in Israeli colors and a red drink resembling blood also circulated online, with one caption reading, "I ordered the Katy Perry combo." Perry has not publicly addressed the backlash.
The concert was part of a five-day retreat for Wiz employees in the Khao Lak resort area of Thailand. The trip was organized to mark the completion of the deal with Google, and Perry's performance was the evening's main surprise. She performed hits such as "I Kissed a Girl." The Israeli publication Calcalist estimated the cost of organizing the concert, including Perry's fee, to be approximately $3-4 million.
Google finalized its acquisition of Wiz on March 11, 2026. The initial announcement stated a deal value of $32 billion, making it Google's largest acquisition ever and a significant exit for the Israeli tech industry. Following adjustments, Google reported the final purchase price at around $29.5 billion.
