Justin Trudeau has defended his decision to skip Canada's World Cup opener, citing 'boyfriend duties' after attending Katy Perry's performance at the United States' opening ceremony instead. The former Canadian Prime Minister and the pop star have been an unexpected couple since going public last year.
Trudeau's absence sparks criticism
The 54-year-old former leader faced backlash for missing his country's first match in the international tournament co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Meanwhile, Katy Perry, 41, headlined the opening ceremony in Los Angeles on Friday, just before the USA faced Paraguay. Her performance coincided with Canada's game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which followed rallies by Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé in Toronto.
Showing where his loyalties lay, Trudeau supported his girlfriend from afar after spending the day in LA. The New York Times broke the news of his absence, tweeting: 'On a day that Canada and the United States both opened their campaigns at the World Cup, Justin Trudeau opted to watch Team USA, where his girlfriend Katy Perry was performing in the opening ceremony.'
In response, Trudeau quoted the tweet, writing: 'Sometimes supportive boyfriend duties call.' He added a Canadian flag emoji and said: 'But you know who I’m rooting for to take the Cup.'
Fan reactions
Some Canadian fans expressed feeling neglected. User Canadarescue401 accused him of 'trolling Canadians,' while JVanluyk called him a 'hypocrite,' reminding Trudeau that he had 'told us not to vacation in the US but here you are in the states and spending like 80% of your time there.'
The unlikely romance
Trudeau and Perry were first linked in late July 2025 after being spotted enjoying a romantic dinner in Montreal. Soon after, they were seen in a passionate embrace on a luxury yacht in California. Trudeau later attended her concert in Montreal with his teenage daughter Ella-Grace, enthusiastically mouthing along to the pop star's hits.
An insider told Metro that the couple is 'having a lot of fun together.' The source shared: 'He absolutely loves her sense of humour and thinks she’s incredibly talented. They come from very different backgrounds, but Katy is quite in tune with current affairs and politics. She finds Justin incredibly charming and intelligent.'
Perry's playful jab
In October, Katy appeared to joke about her romance during her Lifetimes tour at London's O2 Arena. Addressing the crowd, she said: 'London, England, you’re like this on a Monday night after a whole day at work and a whole day at school? No wonder I fall for Englishmen all the time…but not anymore,' as reported by The Sun.
This referenced her previous relationships, including her 14-month marriage to comedian Russell Brand and her engagement to actor Orlando Bloom, which ended in 2025 after nine years. She shares daughter Daisy Love Bloom with Orlando, born in August 2020.
Trudeau's family background
Trudeau was married to Sophie Grégoire Trudeau from 2005 to 2023, after growing up together in Montreal. They reconnected as adults, began dating in 2003, and welcomed three children: Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien. In August 2023, they announced their separation after 'many meaningful and difficult conversations.' Since then, they have continued to co-parent and appeared together at family and national events.
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