Katy Perry sparks backlash for ‘privileged’ call to reach out to Trump-supporting family members
‘Haunting of Bly Manor’ actor Rahul Kohli was among those who criticised tweet
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Katy Perry has faced criticism after urging fans to call their Trump-supporting family members with messages of love and support.
The “Teenage Dream” singer backed Joe Biden for president in last week’s US election, but said that she had reached out to those who disagreed with his political stances once the election was finally called.
“The first thing I did when the presidency was called is text and call my family members who do not agree and tell them I love them and am here for them,” Perry tweeted.
Perry then added the hashtag “#FamilyFirst”, and the message: “Call your family today.”
Perry’s tweet drew strong reactions, with the pop star accused of demonstrating “privilege” and “coddling relatives who mean the world harm”.
“Those people voted for a man who incited violence and didn’t care whether marginalised groups lived or died,” tweeted The Haunting of Bly Manor star Rahul Kohli. “THEY should be reaching out FIRST to apologise and that’s the bare minimum before there can be any talk about love and moving forward.”
Actor and writer Kelechi Okafor also tweeted: “Some of you are behaving like this was a mere ‘difference in opinion’ and not real people’s lives being destroyed by fascism. Very wild to witness … This is how racism prevails because you white ‘liberals’ want to coddle your relatives who mean the rest of the world harm.”
Another person tweeted: “I know you mean well but you have the privilege to be able to do that as a white person unfortunately this isn’t the same situation for everyone.”
Others, however, argued that Perry was merely attempting to heal divisions between left and right in the wake of Donald Trump’s presidency.
“I think she didn’t phrase this well,” one person tweeted. “I think she meant that even if your family doesn’t have the same ideology or values about something you have to still love them because they are family after all.”
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Another person added: “So people are now actually hating on Katy Perry because she wants unity and peace between families who share different opinions?!”
“We need more of this,” tweeted another. “Katy keeping it classy.”
A number of celebrities have spoken out in support of Biden’s presidential victory, though some have also apologised for their reactions to the win.
Eva Longoria said that she regretted her “unclear wording” after arguing that Latina women voters were “the real heroines” of this year’s election.
The Independent has reached out to Perry’s representatives for comment.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments