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Trudeau and Perry make relationship public in Paris
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and American pop star Katy Perry have publicly confirmed their relationship after being photographed holding hands in Paris last weekend. The couple attended a birthday celebration for Perry at the Crazy Horse cabaret, marking their first high-profile appearance together since rumors of their romance began circulating in July.
Shared struggles and strategic timing
Both figures enter the relationship following periods of reputational challenges. Trudeau, 53, resigned earlier this year after a decade in office marked by declining popularity and scandals, including ethics violations and a blackface controversy. Perry, 41, faced criticism for her latest album, 143, and backlash over her participation in a high-profile spaceflight with Jeff Bezos' wife.
Analysts suggest the pairing offers mutual benefits. Jose Rodriguez, a communication studies professor at California State University Long Beach, calls it a "rebranding for both in an unexpected way." For Perry, the connection to a statesman could bolster her philanthropic and civic engagement. For Trudeau, the relationship softens his post-political image, distancing him from the cutthroat world of government.
From dinner dates to viral moments
Speculation about their romance began in late July after they were seen dining at Le Violon, a Montreal restaurant. Days later, Trudeau attended Perry's concert in the city, singing along to hits like Firework. By mid-October, images of them kissing on Perry's yacht near Santa Barbara circulated widely.
Neither has publicly addressed the relationship, but Perry hinted at it during a London concert last month. When a fan proposed, she quipped, "You know, you really should have asked me about 48 hours ago," referencing the timing of their public outing.
A history of high-profile pairings
The romance echoes Trudeau's family history. His father, former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, also had notable relationships post-divorce, including with actress Kim Cattrall and singer Barbra Streisand. Political scientist Jonathan Malloy notes the parallel: "There's no question we see history repeating itself."
Yet Trudeau's post-political path diverges from tradition. Rather than joining corporate boards or law firms, he's embracing a more personal, public-facing role. A recent Instagram post of him shopping for kitchenware-dubbed his "divorced dad era"-signaled a shift toward relatability.
Aligned values and shared spotlight
Beyond optics, the couple shares ideological ground. Perry, a vocal LGBTQ+ and feminist advocate, has supported Democratic campaigns, including Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Kamala Harris in 2024. Trudeau's progressive policies, like gender-parity cabinets, align with her activism.
Both are also devoted parents. Perry frequently features her four-year-old daughter, Daisy, on social media, while Trudeau spent the summer on individual trips with each of his three children.
Strategic storytelling
Observers highlight the calculated rollout of their relationship. Mikael Wood, pop music critic for the Los Angeles Times, notes it "changes the subject" from Perry's album flop and Trudeau's political exit. The Paris photos, Rodriguez adds, served as a "high-signal, low-speech confirmation," letting visuals drive the narrative.
As Michael Mulvey, a marketing professor at the University of Ottawa, puts it: "There are probably some people who hope he gets it together, has a cooling-off period, and gets on with his life." For now, the couple's romance offers a compelling new chapter for both.
