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Katy Perry faces backlash over private show at Google-owned Wiz’s Thailand event

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The pop star took the stage for a surprise concert during a five-day retreat hosted by cybersecurity firm Wiz, which recently merged into Google Cloud. Total expenses for the performance and production reportedly ranged between $3 million and $4 million, forming part of an opulent gathering estimated to cost tens of millions of shekels. Online commenters quickly criticized the booking due to the firm's founding by Israeli entrepreneurs, echoing previous protests against the singer's private appearances. Wiz has maintained a notable pattern of hosting extravagant corporate parties worldwide featuring major musical acts.

Key points

  • Wiz finalized an acquisition deal to merge into Google Cloud in March 2026.: Wiz finalized an acquisition deal to merge into Google Cloud in March 2026.
  • The cybersecurity firm regularly stages lavish events, including past retreats in Mauriti…: The cybersecurity firm regularly stages lavish events, including past retreats in Mauritius, Tel Aviv, and Las Vegas.
  • Online users voiced frustration over celebrities maintaining progressive public personas…: Online users voiced frustration over celebrities maintaining progressive public personas while accepting large payouts for corporate bookings.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Wiz flew employees to Thailand for a five-day retreat. The Google-owned cybersecurity company, founded by Israeli entrepreneurs, reportedly arranged a surprise private performance by Katy Perry during the holiday in Khao Lak. According to a Calcalist report, her appearance drew online criticism, with users questioning her decision to perform for the company and challenging celebrities who pair public social stances with lucrative private bookings.

The trip included luxury resort accommodation and parties, estimated at tens of millions of shekels. Perry’s performance alone reportedly cost between $3 million and $4 million, including her fee and production costs. The concert, which featured several of her hits, including “I Kissed a Girl,” capped off the employee getaway.

Why Katy Perry’s Wiz concert drew criticism online

Users on the international music forum ATRL opened a discussion about the performance and criticised Perry’s participation, Ynet reported.

One commenter referred to posts by Thai citizens complaining about what they described as Zionist tourists, adding that those visitors were now bringing Perry with them.

Another expressed renewed disappointment in the singer. A third questioned artists who publicly…

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