Justin Trudeau issues response after being called out for US World Cup appearance with girlfriend Katy Perry

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has responded to backlash after skipping his country's first World Cup match to attend a USA game with his girlfriend, Katy Perry.

Perry performed during the match, which took place in Los Angeles, with Trudeau explaining the reason behind his absence at Canada's opening match in Toronto was due to 'boyfriend duties'.

Canada ended up seeing a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, which started at 15:00 EDT (21:00 GMT) on Friday (12 June) with Trudeau instead opting to watch the USA beat Paraguay 4-1 in LA, with kick-off at 21:00 EDT that same day.

It didn't take long for critics and fans alike to rush to social media to share their thoughts.

One X user fumed: "This is the same clown who demanded everyone boycott America, now celebrating the US win in the FIFA World Cup.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

"Justin Trudeau is a POS [piece of sh*t]!"

A second seethed: "He clearly does not have the same definition of boycotting that we have."

And a third piped up: "Hypocrisy knows no borders."

Others, however, rushed in to defend the former world leader with a fourth hitting back: "POS? The guy is not in an official role anymore, so why would he need to hate on the US?"

"I believe jealous people are the ones criticising him. He is a free man now, and he can do whatever he wants. He is not your prime minister anymore, so allow him to enjoy his life," declared another.

And a final fan added: "What is he supposed to do exactly, go in sulk in the corner? He’s supporting his girlfriend. How does that make him a POS?"

Taking to X on Sunday (14 June), Trudeau responded to a post by The New York Times which read: "From @TheAthleticFC: 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."

Sometimes supportive boyfriend duties call. But you know who I’m rooting for to take the Cup 🇨🇦 https://t.co/85DXvsyCPp

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 14, 2026

He quote-tweeted: "Sometimes supportive boyfriend duties call. But you know who I’m rooting for to take the Cup."

Trudeau rounded off his statement with an emoji of the Canadian flag.

Trudeau and Perry have been romantically linked since July 2025, officially confirming their relationship with an Instagram post in December of last year.

Trudeau was previously married to TV host Sophie Grégoire for 18 years, having announced their split in 2023. They have three children.

Perry, meanwhile, was engaged to Orlando Bloom but broke up in June 2025 after a nine-year relationship.

They share one daughter, Daisy Dove, who was born in 2020, and remain focused on co-parenting.

She was also married to Russell Brand from 2010 to 2012.