Katy Perry Denounces White House Over Firework Use in Iran Post

Pop star Katy Perry has criticised the White House after her hit song Firework was used in a social media video featuring footage of military strikes in Iran. The video, shared on the White House's official TikTok account, carried the caption "Iran has been warned" and used Perry's chart-topping song as its soundtrack. The singer said she had neither approved nor been consulted about the use of her music and condemned the way it was paired with images of conflict and destruction.

In a post on X, Perry expressed strong opposition to the video's message, saying she was "deeply appalled and angry" over the use of the song. She stated that Firework, which was created to inspire self-worth, hope and empowerment, had been used in a way that completely contradicted its original meaning. Perry added that she did not condone the use of her music to accompany scenes of violence and described the decision as a violation of what the song represents.

Released as part of her highly successful Teenage Dream album, Firework became one of Perry's nine Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles and remains one of her signature tracks. In 2023, Perry sold the master recordings and publishing rights to five of her most successful albums, including Teenage Dream, to Litmus Music, a company backed by Carlyle Group Inc. According to Billboard, the deal was valued at approximately $225 million.

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Perry has long been vocal about her political views and has publicly supported Democratic candidates in recent U.S. elections. She backed Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential race and previously endorsed Joe Biden in 2020 and Hillary Clinton in 2016. The singer is also currently in a relationship with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a detail that has drawn media attention alongside her public political positions.

The incident adds to a growing list of disputes involving the use of artists' work by the Trump administration or government agencies without the creators' approval. Several musicians and content creators, including Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter and the publisher of the Franklin the Turtle children's book series, have objected to their work being used in official social media posts promoting messages they say they do not support.

President Donald Trump has also faced similar objections over the use of music during political rallies and campaign events. Over the years, artists including Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Adele and Rihanna have publicly opposed the use of their songs at Trump-related events without their permission. Perry's latest criticism highlights the continuing tensions between public figures and political organisations over the use of copyrighted creative works in official messaging.

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