Katy Perry voiced intense anger after the White House used her hit song “Firework” in an official TikTok video depicting military strikes against Iran. According to posts on the social media platform X, Perry stated she was “deeply upset and angry” about the unauthorized usage, which paired the track’s uplifting chorus with footage of explosions and combat destruction.
White House TikTok Video Sparks Backlash Over Firework
The controversial clip, published on the official White House TikTok channel, synchronized the lyrics “Boom, Boom, Boom” from Perry’s single with visuals of bomb blasts alongside the caption, “Iran was warned.” According to statements published on X, Perry emphasized that she wrote the song as an anthem of hope, healing, and inner strength for individuals navigating difficult moments. The singer argued that utilizing her music for imagery depicting violence and destruction is a complete violation of the track’s core message, stating that her work aims to bring people together rather than celebrate war.
A Growing Trend of Artists Protesting Political Music Use
Perry’s public rebuke follows a series of similar objections from prominent recording artists regarding the political deployment of their catalogues. Pop singer Sabrina Carpenter recently protested a government-released video utilizing her song “Juno” to highlight migrant arrests, describing the clip on X as evil and disgusting. Additional performers, including Céline Dion, Alphaville, and Neil Young, have previously issued objections against political campaigns and government offices using their copyrighted music without consent.
US-Iran Diplomatic Tensions Persist Amid Talks
The digital dispute unfolds against a backdrop of strained diplomatic relations between Washington and Tehran. US President Donald Trump stated to reporters at the White House that both nations are actively holding discussions regarding a potential resolution to the ongoing crisis. However, Trump added that Tehran is not yet fully prepared to secure a final agreement, noting that talks do not guarantee a successful outcome as developments continue to unfold.
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