Katy Perry's Struggle for Relevance: How Her New Romance with Justin Trudeau Went Awry After 'Cringe' Photos

HE sparked widespread hysteria when he first became Canada’s prime minister in 2015, thanks to his Disney-Prince hairstyle and fit physique.

But fast forward to this week, and images of Justin Trudeau rolling around in the grass with left his former fans cringing and wondering just how the popstar has once again managed to turn a man from hero to zero?

Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau looked like loved-up teens during a picnic in Santa Barbara Credit: BackGrid The couple couldn’t keep their hands off each other as their kids looked on Credit: BackGrid

It’s been nearly a year since 54-year-old Justin 41, and as their public displays of affection appear more and more orchestrated, the former PM’s sex appeal is rapidly declining.

And last week it became increasingly clear who is wearing the trousers as he cited “boyfriend duties” as the reason opting to support his girlfriend in LA instead as she for the tournament.

The move was heavily criticised by his fellow Canadians after she was accused of delivering a “train wreck” performance in a bizarre lampshade frock.

Days later, they raised eyebrows with bizarre PDA during a picnic in the park in Santa Barbara.

Looking like loved-up teenagers, they kissed and cuddled, while nearby her daughter Daisy, five, who she shares with ex , played with Justin’s youngest son Hadrien, 12.

Katy’s mum – Mary – was also with them, playing babysitter while the loved-up couple enjoyed a romantic roll around.

Insiders believe the unusual behaviour is all part of a ploy to keep Katy relevant after her professional and private life imploded.

She , was widely mocked for terrible dancing on tour, was , and then, of course, there was that .

Our source explained: “Katy’s moves are classic of someone trying to stay in the limelight. She seems desperate to be seen with Justin, and they just aren’t holding back.

“It’s jarring for a lot of people. One minute he’s in charge of the country, the next he’s wearing a backwards cap and holding hands with a popstar at .

“The whole thing is coming across as embarrassing, and in fact, it’s made people fancy Justin less. His popularity has plummeted, and it looks unlikely to have done her any favours.”

The toe-curling picnic photoshoot was reminiscent of some of her eyebrow-raising moments with her ex, Orlando.

The well-loved actor lost his legitimacy almost overnight when he was on a romantic trip with Katy.

It was only the start of their PDA-heavy displays – more suited to a pop star than a serious movie star, and critics felt Orlando lost his ‘coolness’ as he became more and more immersed in LA’s “woo-woo” scene.

By the time his romance with Katy was over, he was seen as little more than Katy Perry’s ex.

And it seems could be repeating itself. Katy and Justin first confirmed their relationship in December of last year, and just days ago, she declared he was the ‘love of her life’.

We’re told he feels exactly the same and a proposal might not be far off, with our source explaining: “They both think what they have is forever and Justin is hoping to propose before the year is over.

“He’s eyeing up a full-time move to America, which might not be a bad idea considering how the people of feel towards him now. He’ll keep his place there for the kids, but most of his time will now be with Katy.”

The politician was married to broadcaster Sophie Gregoire Trudeau for 18 years until they announced their split in 2023. The pair have three children.

He ended his nine-year run as Canada’s PM after announcing he was stepping down as Liberal Party leader in January 2025.

Fans have questioned if Katy has made Justin ‘uncool’ Credit: BackGrid The former Canadian PM was spotted wearing a backwards cap with Katy at Coachella earlier this year Credit: Katy Perry/Instagram

Katy was married to English comedian from 2010 until 2012 and was later engaged to Pirates Of The Caribbean actor Orlando, who she shares daughter Daisy Dove with. They announced their split in July last year.

They were both at challenging points in their life – he was ousted from government, and she was a figure of public ridicule when they met, and they clearly found common ground.

In the midst of her break-up from Orlando, Katy hit the headlines for another reason.

On April 14, 2025, she was one of six women sent into space for a very underwhelming 11-minute trip.

Instead of being lauded for her feat, Katy became a laughing stock and was slammed for the so-called vanity trip.

Footage of the Roar singer kissing the ground, holding a daisy to the sky and delivering an emotional speech about “love and belonging” quickly went viral.

Fresh off the back of her space antics, Katy kicked off her world tour – only for calls for her to cancel it.

Her 83-concert tour started in City and ended in Madrid after ‘disappointing’ ticket sales.

Katy came under fire after her visit to space which was highly mocked Credit: AFP She split from Orlando Bloom last year after nine years together Credit: Getty

Her moves on stage were cruelly mocked; she was accused of having no budget and putting zero effort in.

One fan sniped: “Please retire gracefully… don’t do that to yourself,” while another moaned: “She’s too lazy to learn a dance routine, so she just wings it and literally looks like a chicken wing.”

Insiders at the time were very concerned about her, with one telling us: “I don’t know if she is in denial or something, but that is getting to a point where she is kind of thinking in her ‘own bubble’, and she won’t listen to any advice; that is for sure.

“She isn’t aware of the kind of storm she is going through right now, and she is not realising that it can get really, really bad.”

The insider added: “She is digging her own hole without listening to people and advice that can help her try to change the dynamic, and that is very sad to see.”

Not long after the fiasco, she started Justin, but then things took an even more distressing twist.

Australian actress claimed on a night out at a club in 16 years ago, which has been strongly denied.

Ruby Rose made serious allegations against Katy, which she has strongly refuted Credit: Getty Katy sang at the World Cup opening ceremony in LA – with Justin on hand to watch her Credit: Getty

Ruby alleged online: “She saw me ‘resting’ on my best friend’s lap to avoid her and bent down, pulled her underwear to the side and rubbed her disgusting vagina on my face until my eyes snapped open and I projectile vomited on her.”

A representative for Katy Perry said: “The allegations being circulated on social media by Ruby Rose about Katy Perry are not only categorically false, they are dangerous reckless lies.

“Ms Rose has a well-documented history of making serious public allegations on social media against various individuals, claims that have repeatedly been denied by those named.”

It was the latest blow for the star who has been desperately trying to find her place again.

This week, appearing on Justin Tranter’s Unfamous podcast, Katy revealed she is planning a comeback single, in which she will take on her pain of the past few years.

Katy admitted she’s “angry” and “wrestling with my darkness” following a “tough” year, but refuses to back down.

She explained: “Instead of falling into, ‘Woe is me’, I was just like, ‘Let’s feel this f***ing pain. Let’s feel this pain, let’s feel this anger and let’s move on – and let’s learn from it, also’.”

And it seems she’s doing just that – with her new man in tow.