Katy Perry's Private Concert for Israeli Firm Sparks Online Outrage
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
International pop star Katy Perry performed a surprise concert for employees of the Israeli cybersecurity firm Wiz during a company vacation in Thailand. The private performance reportedly cost $3-4 million and has sparked significant online criticism. This event follows Wiz's history of extravagant employee gatherings, including a large Purim party and a sales event in Las Vegas.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Katy Perry performed a private concert for Israeli company Wiz employees in Thailand.
- The performance reportedly cost Wiz between $3-4 million.
- The event has generated significant online criticism and backlash against Perry.
- Wiz has a history of hosting expensive and elaborate employee events.
- This is not the first time Perry's private performances have drawn controversy.
International pop star Katy Perry performed a surprise concert for employees of the Israeli cybersecurity company Wiz during their five-day vacation in Khao Lak, Thailand. The lavish trip, estimated to cost tens of millions of shekels, culminated in Perry's private performance, which reportedly cost between $3-4 million for artist fees and production. This event has ignited criticism online, with some users accusing Perry of hypocrisy for performing at high-priced private events despite projecting social awareness.
Perry's performance for Wiz employees, who were treated to a stay at a luxury resort and parties, included renditions of her hits like "I Kissed a Girl." This is not the first time Perry has commanded a high fee for a private concert. In February 2024, she performed for Australian billionaire Anthony Pratt, an event attended by the Australian Prime Minister and other dignitaries. Reports suggest she received approximately AUD 1.5 million (about $3.3 million) for that performance, with estimates for similar private shows ranging from AUD 2-3 million ($4.4-6.6 million).
Perry's 2024 Australian performance also drew protests from pro-Palestinian activists who demonstrated outside the estate, criticizing the wealthy attendees while Gaza residents suffered from bombing and starvation. The current online backlash against Perry's performance for the Israeli company echoes similar sentiments. Discussions on international music forums have seen users criticize her decision, with some referencing complaints from Thai citizens about "Zionist tourists" and Perry's involvement. Others expressed disappointment, with one user noting the contrast between pop stars advocating for social causes and their acceptance of lucrative private engagements.
Wiz, co-founded by Assaf Rapaport, has a history of investing heavily in employee events. In February, the company held its "Wizcotec" Purim party in Tel Aviv, inspired by ABBA, costing an estimated 10 million shekels and featuring over 20 Israeli artists. Previous extravagant events include a "Survivor"-themed trip to Mauritius for employees, a 2022 company event dedicated to Disney songs with numerous Israeli performers, and a March 2024 sales event in Las Vegas attended by employees despite the ongoing war, which included a performance by Pitbull and a "WizAir" theme.
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