Katy Perry has criticised the White House after it used her hit song Firework in a TikTok video about military strikes on Iran without asking for her permission.
The White House posted the video on its official TikTok account, pairing footage of the strikes with Perry’s 2010 hit.
The post quickly sparked criticism online, with many social media users questioning the decision to use the song in that context.
Perry soon responded, making it clear that she had nothing to do with the video.
I am deeply appalled and angry to see ‘Firework’ used on the White House TikTok account as a backing track for video footage of military strikes. I did not approve this, I was not asked, and I absolutely do not condone it.
The pop star said she wrote Firework to inspire hope, courage and self-belief, not to accompany scenes of war.
To see a message of self-worth and upliftment weaponized to soundtrack destruction and violence is a complete violation of everything my song stands for.
Her statement quickly drew support from fans, who said the song’s message conflicted with the images shown in the video.
Perry joins a growing list of musicians who have pushed back against the use of their music in political content without permission.
Ariana Grande recently criticised the White House for using her song “Bye” in an immigration-related TikTok video, while Kesha objected after officials used Blow in a military-themed post.
Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo and Céline Dion have also spoken out after their music appeared in political or government-related content without their approval.
The latest dispute has reignited debate over how governments and political organisations use popular music on social media, especially when artists say those posts conflict with the message behind their songs.