Backlash Erupts as Trudeau Parties with Katy Perry on Luxury Yacht

In a spectacle that has ignited fury across Canada, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been spotted partying on a luxury yacht with pop superstar Katy Perry, while the nation grapples with soaring living costs and widespread unrest. The images, which surfaced on October 12, 2025, show Trudeau laughing and sipping cocktails aboard a $20 million vessel off the coast of Capri, Italy, alongside Perry and a cadre of celebrities. As Canadians face skyrocketing inflation, housing crises, and protests over economic inequality, the opulent getaway has sparked a firestorm of outrage, with critics branding Trudeau’s actions as “tone-deaf” and questioning whether he’s “just done leading.”

Trudeau, who stepped down as Prime Minister in 2023 after nearly a decade in office, has been no stranger to controversy, but this latest incident has struck a particularly raw nerve. Canada’s economic landscape in 2025 is bleak: inflation has driven grocery prices up by 18% in two years, rent in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver has surged by 25%, and unemployment hovers at 7.1%. Protests have erupted in urban centers, with citizens demanding relief from crushing financial pressures. Against this backdrop, Trudeau’s decision to jet off for a lavish vacation has been met with accusations of insensitivity and privilege.

The yacht, reportedly owned by a tech billionaire, was hosting a star-studded event attended by Perry, whose hits like “Firework” and “Roar” have made her a global icon, along with other A-listers. Photos circulating on social media show Trudeau, dressed in a tailored blazer, toasting with Perry under the Mediterranean sun, with crystal-clear waters and gourmet spreads in the background. The images, first leaked by a paparazzo, spread like wildfire, fueling hashtags like #TrudeauTonesDeaf and #YachtGate. Canadians, already frustrated by years of perceived disconnect from their leaders, expressed their anger online. “While we’re choosing between rent and food, he’s sipping champagne with pop stars,” one X user posted. “This is why people have lost faith.”

Trudeau’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by progressive promises—climate action, gender equality, and reconciliation with Indigenous communities—but also by scandals that eroded public trust. From the SNC-Lavalin affair to accusations of ethical lapses, his leadership often polarized the nation. Since leaving office, Trudeau has maintained a lower profile, focusing on speaking engagements and philanthropy, but his Capri escapade has reignited debates about his legacy. Political analysts suggest the timing couldn’t be worse. “Canadians are hurting, and seeing a former leader living it up with celebrities feels like a betrayal,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a political scientist at the University of Toronto. “It reinforces the narrative that elites are out of touch.”

Defenders of Trudeau argue that, as a private citizen, he’s entitled to his personal life. A spokesperson for Trudeau issued a brief statement: “Justin is enjoying a well-earned vacation with friends. He remains committed to advocating for Canadians.” Yet, the defense has done little to quell the backlash. Even some of Trudeau’s former allies have distanced themselves, with one Liberal MP anonymously telling reporters, “This isn’t the image we need right now. It’s a slap in the face to struggling families.”

Katy Perry, who has not commented directly on the controversy, posted an Instagram story captioned “Living for these summer vibes,” further inflaming critics who see her involvement as complicity in Trudeau’s misstep. The pop star, known for her apolitical persona, may have unwittingly stepped into a Canadian political maelstrom.

As the outrage grows, questions linger about Trudeau’s intentions. Is this a deliberate retreat from public life, or a miscalculation by a leader accustomed to the spotlight? For many Canadians, the yacht party symbolizes a deeper disconnect—one that transcends Trudeau and points to a broader crisis of trust in leadership. While the former Prime Minister dances under Italian skies, the nation he once led demands accountability, grappling with the stark contrast between his luxury and their struggle. Whether this backlash will reshape Trudeau’s future or fade as a fleeting scandal remains uncertain, but for now, the waves of Capri have stirred a tempest at home.