The singer of "Firework" and the former Prime Minister stepped onto the red carpet for the first time at the 2026 Tribeca Film Festival, but it was one instance of public affection that sparked a lot of discussion.

Katy Perry is clearly smitten — and she’s not shy about it.

Katy Perry speaks onstage during "Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour" Premiere during the 2026 Tribeca Festival at BMCC Theater on June 8, 2026 in New York City.
Katy Perry speaks onstage during "Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour" Premiere during the 2026 Tribeca Festival at BMCC Theater on June 8, 2026 in New York City.

On the evening of June 8, the pop icon and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau officially made their red carpet debut as a couple at the premiere of Perry’s new concert film, "The Lifetimes Tour — Live in Paris," during the 2026 Tribeca Film Festival.

Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry attend the "Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour" Premiere during the 2026 Tribeca Festival at BMCC Theater on June 8, 2026 in New York City.
Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry attend the "Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour" Premiere during the 2026 Tribeca Festival at BMCC Theater on June 8, 2026 in New York City.

Perry stunned in a long ivory gown with a V-neck and unique knotted rosette accents at the bust and waist. Her dark hair was styled in a voluminous bun, with soft tendrils framing her face. She paired her look with pointed white heels, diamond earrings, and a matching ring.

Katy Perry attends the "Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour" Premiere during the 2026 Tribeca Festival at BMCC Theater on June 8, 2026 in New York City.
Katy Perry attends the "Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour" Premiere during the 2026 Tribeca Festival at BMCC Theater on June 8, 2026 in New York City.

Trudeau looked sharp in an all-black suit, complemented by a collarless white dress shirt. He finished the look with black leather shoes, wearing his dark curly hair naturally.

Justin Trudeau attends the "Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour" Premiere during the 2026 Tribeca Festival at BMCC Theater on June 8, 2026 in New York City.
Justin Trudeau attends the "Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour" Premiere during the 2026 Tribeca Festival at BMCC Theater on June 8, 2026 in New York City.

Photos and videos of the couple’s affectionate appearance quickly spread online, and one specific clip received mixed responses.

Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry attend the "Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour" Premiere during the 2026 Tribeca Festival at BMCC Theater on June 8, 2026 in New York City.
Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry attend the "Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour" Premiere during the 2026 Tribeca Festival at BMCC Theater on June 8, 2026 in New York City.

In the video, Perry and Trudeau pose for the cameras, and at one moment, Trudeau’s hand can be seen sliding down Perry’s back, briefly touching her rear before returning to her waist. Some viewers found the gesture sweet, while others reacted negatively.

Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry attend the "Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour" Premiere during the 2026 Tribeca Festival at BMCC Theater on June 8, 2026 in New York City.
Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry attend the "Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour" Premiere during the 2026 Tribeca Festival at BMCC Theater on June 8, 2026 in New York City.

"Is it just me or does anyone else find the butt-touching a bit uncomfortable to watch? 😂" one commenter wrote. Another added, "It was gross… the way her dress fell and his hand was all splayed on her butt made me laugh 😂."

"Massaging her bum? Not exactly the right moment for that…" a third commenter shared, while another criticized, "Gross and degrading to cup her [expletive]. This isn’t a relationship; it’s a display."

Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry attend the "Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour" Premiere during the 2026 Tribeca Festival at BMCC Theater on June 8, 2026 in New York City.
Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry attend the "Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour" Premiere during the 2026 Tribeca Festival at BMCC Theater on June 8, 2026 in New York City.

"He just had to touch her in front of the camera 😅. Self-control is attractive!" one user remarked. Another added, "🤨Come on man, you have more class than that!"

"I’ve never seen such a prominent figure touch a woman like that in public before. What is this world coming to?" someone else commented.

This moment contrasted sharply with the affection Perry displayed during a Q&A session after the screening. Reflecting on her 2025 Lifetimes Tour, she expressed deep sentiments about her journey and the man by her side.

"Every day is a fantastic journey, and every day is a chance to evolve and be a better person, serving as a role model for your community, family, and the world," she shared. "After 91 shows, I feel more grounded in many aspects of my life. I am very much in love."

Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry attend the "Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour" Premiere during the 2026 Tribeca Festival at BMCC Theater on June 8, 2026 in New York City.
Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry attend the "Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour" Premiere during the 2026 Tribeca Festival at BMCC Theater on June 8, 2026 in New York City.

Perry revealed that the November 2025 Paris shows, captured for the concert film, held special personal meaning.

"Actually, that show was after I met the love of my life, and I felt very grounded by that," Perry said. "I’m a bit like a rainbow kite — I fly high, but sometimes I need to be anchored, and having that anchor makes me feel complete now."

Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry attend the "Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour" Premiere during the 2026 Tribeca Festival at BMCC Theater on June 8, 2026 in New York City.
Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry attend the "Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour" Premiere during the 2026 Tribeca Festival at BMCC Theater on June 8, 2026 in New York City.

Perry and Trudeau were first romantically linked in July 2025 when they were seen on a date in Montreal. They maintained a low profile in the following months, though sources indicated their relationship was becoming serious. Their red carpet appearance — along with Perry’s heartfelt words — suggest the reports were accurate.