A brief video of pop star Katy Perry and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, has triggered a wave of reactions online. The clip was shared by The Female Quotient, an organisation that promotes gender equality in the workplace, showing Perry at the group’s Equality Lounge where Trudeau spoke about diversity and women’s leadership.
The lounge is designed to highlight discussions on gender bias, pay gaps, and the need for more inclusive leadership. In its Instagram post, The Female Quotient said the moment was a reminder that “showing up matters”, with Perry there to support Trudeau during an event that also featured his former chief of staff, Katie Telford.
Katy Perry Winks Towards Prime Minister
The post sparked mixed reactions online. Some social media users criticised the decision to spotlight celebrity attendance at an event focused on female empowerment. One comment read: “This ain’t it. Celebrities sitting around philosophizing while taking no actual steps to uplift women shouldn’t be getting your amplification… Who cares who Justin or Katy is dating?”
💕 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
Other supporters of The Female Quotient expressed disappointment, saying the clip did not align with the organisation’s mission of uplifting women’s leadership and opportunity. A critic added that Trudeau had previously dismissed women in his own administration who challenged him on ethical grounds.
Supportive Fans Defend the Moment
Not all responses were negative. Some attendees and supporters praised the conversation and engagement captured in the video. One user who said they were present at the event commented: “I was in the room and it was a superb conversation.”
Fans of Perry also defended her, highlighting her long history of supporting women in the music industry. A fan account argued critics were overlooking her years of work and emphasised that many online commentators were quick to attack her without understanding her contributions.
Playful and Viral Moments Catch Public Attention
Beyond criticism and defence, the clip also drew attention simply for the light‑hearted interaction between Perry and Trudeau. In a related viral video from the summit, Perry was seen playfully winking at Trudeau as he took the stage, which many fans described as “cute” and “adorable.”
Another fan‑shared clip showed social media users gushing over the pair’s chemistry, with comments like “They are such a cute couple!” and “This is so cute.” These moments shifted some of the focus from politics and empowerment to their personal rapport at the high‑profile event.
Background of Their Appearance and Relationship
Perry’s presence at the forum was unexpected for many, given her status as a global music star rather than a regular attendee of economic and political summits. She attended the event alongside Trudeau, whom she has been seen with publicly since 2025, often attracting media buzz about their relationship.
Trudeau, who served as Canada’s prime minister from 2015 to 2025 before stepping down, used his time at Davos to discuss global issues like diplomacy and Canada’s “soft power.” Past interactions between the two have ranged from public appearances to shared moments that fuelled public curiosity about their personal connection.
What the Debate Reflects
The mix of reactions highlights a broader conversation about the role of celebrity presence at serious policy discussions. Many felt the focus should remain sharply on the issues The Female Quotient aims to tackle — like gender equity and systemic barriers for women — rather than on high‑profile attachments. Others, however, saw value in bringing attention to these spaces in diverse ways.
The episode underscores how social media can quickly turn a short moment into a broader cultural debate, blending entertainment, politics, and public discourse at major global events such as the World Economic Forum.
