The irony wasn't lost on many: paper straws offered to the public, while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was photographed enjoying a drink from a plastic cup at Coachella. The image, surfacing shortly after his 2019 pledge to ban single-use plastics, ignited a swift wave of online reaction.
Social media platforms quickly amplified the visual contradiction. A post featuring the photo prompted a flurry of captions and comments, ranging from pointed observations to outright criticism of the former leader.
One user wryly noted the discrepancy, while another expressed frustration, dismissing Trudeau with harsh words. Yet, amidst the criticism, a pocket of support emerged, with one commenter praising the couple and their seemingly carefree attitude.
Trudeau and pop star Katy Perry were at the festival to witness Justin Bieber’s headline set. Perry playfully documented the experience on Instagram, referencing a lyric from Bieber’s song, “Speed Demon,” with a lighthearted caption.
The relationship between Trudeau, 53, and Perry, 41, has been publicly unfolding since at least December, documented through social media posts during a trip to Japan. Rumors of a romance first surfaced earlier that year in Montreal.
Their frequent displays of affection online have often been met with mixed reactions from Canadians, particularly following Trudeau’s departure from office in January 2025, a move spurred by increasing political pressure. The change in leadership followed years of scrutiny.
Trudeau’s 18-year marriage to Sophie Grégoire ended in separation in 2023, and they share three children. Perry, prior to this relationship, was with actor Orlando Bloom for nine years, and they co-parent their five-year-old daughter, Daisy Dove.
