Boom, Boom, Boom, Bombs Explode... Katy Perry Expresses Deep Anger over White House Video

Katy Perry's Hit Song Used in Iran War Promotional Video

"My Music Is Not Meant to Glorify War"

American pop star Katy Perry has expressed her strong opposition to the White House's unauthorized use of her hit song in a promotional video about the war with Iran, stating that such actions are "unacceptable."

According to the British daily The Guardian on July 26 (local time), Perry issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) the previous day, expressing deep regret that her song was used without permission.

She stated, "I was deeply shocked and angry to see the White House's TikTok account using 'Firework' as background music for a military attack video. I have never approved, nor was I asked for such use, and I absolutely do not support it." She continued, "'Firework' was created as a song to deliver hope, healing, and inner strength to those going through the toughest times," emphasizing, "My music is meant to bring people together, not to glorify war."

Previously, on July 23, the White House used Perry's 2010 hit song "Firework" as background music in a Shorts video posted to its official TikTok account. The edited video matched the segment where Perry sings "boom, boom, boom" with scenes of bombs exploding in Iran. Despite Perry's public criticism, the White House has not issued any particular response, and the video remains posted on its official account.

Pop star Katy Perry. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

Meanwhile, in the U.S. pop music scene, there has been growing backlash against government agencies for using popular artists' music without permission. Pop star Ariana Grande, in June, responded to the use of her song "Bye" in a video featuring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducting immigration raids by posting a comment with expletives, warning, "Never use my music for such barbaric, inhumane, and monstrous nonsense."

Other artists, including Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, and the rock band Semisonic, have also publicly criticized ICE for the unauthorized use of their music in promotional videos.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.