Katy Perry angry to see her song Firework used by White House in military strikes on Iran video
25 July,2026 11:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Katy Perry has criticised the White House after its verified TikTok account used her hit Firework alongside footage of military strikes on Iran. Calling the move a “complete violation” of the song’s message, the singer said she never approved its use and stressed that Firework is an anthem of hope
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Singer Katy Perry has publicly criticised the White House after her 2010 hit Firework was used in an official TikTok video featuring footage of military strikes. The post, shared by the White House’s verified TikTok account, reportedly synchronised the song’s “boom, boom, boom” lyrics with visuals of explosions and carried the caption, “Iran has been warned.”
Katy Perry on White House using her song in TikTok video
Reacting strongly on X (formerly Twitter), Perry said she was very angry that her song had been used in the video without her knowledge or approval.
“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,” she wrote.
The singer also explained why the use of the song upset her, saying Firework was never intended to be associated with conflict or violence.
“I wrote this song to be an anthem of hope, healing, and inner strength for people going through their darkest personal moments. 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. My music is for bringing people together, not celebrating warfare,” she added.
Artists react to political use of songs
Perry’s statement comes amid ongoing tensions involving the US administration and the use of popular music in political messaging. According to Variety, the White House video was shared as discussions over Iran continued, with military action remaining a key point of international attention.
She is not the first musician to object to the use of her work in this context. Earlier this year, Ariana Grande criticised the White House after a version of her song Bye was reportedly used in a TikTok video showing ICE agents carrying out arrests. Several other artists, including Sabrina Carpenter, Olie also objected in the past to their music being used by political figures or campaigns without their consent
Perry’s latest remarks have since sparked widespread discussion online, with many fans backing her stance and arguing that artists should have greater control over how their music is used. Others debated whether political institutions should seek explicit permission before pairing songs with sensitive or controversial messaging, particularly when it conflicts with the artist’s intended message.
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