Katy Perry Business Deal Sparks Fury
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Katy Perry has sparked fury after announcing a business deal with a confectionary company that operates in Russia.
The singer is the latest in a string of celebrities to face criticism for promoting Mondelēz brands.
Perry has launched a new campaign with chocolate company Milka. But campaigners have criticized the deal because Milka is owned by Mondelēz, which continues to do business in Russia. They say celebrities should not support companies who pay taxes in Russia, to voice their moral opposition to its war with Ukraine and to put economic pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin's regime.
Perry's representatives declined to comment. Newsweek contacted Mondelēz by email to comment on this story.
Why It Matters
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, there has been international pressure for companies around the world to cease business operations in the country.
Katy Perry at the 2013 American Music Awards held on November 24, 2013 at The Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, California.
Katy Perry at the 2013 American Music Awards held on November 24, 2013 at The Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, California.
Photo by: zz/Galaxy/STAR MAX/IPx 2013 11/24/13
However, many remained and American companies that do business in Russia contribute to the Russian economy via profit taxes. According to January research from campaign group B4Ukraine and the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) Institute, Mondelēz paid Russia $62 million in profit taxes in 2023, making it the fifth biggest tax contributor out of the American companies that have continued to do business in Russia.
Mondelēz has remained in Russia, previously telling the Financial Times that investors did not "morally care" whether companies continued to do business there.
Perry has also recently attracted criticism for participating in Jeff Bezos's 11-minute Blue Origin spaceflight on April 14. Some people suggested she was out of touch to participate in the flight during a time of economic hardship, while others raised concerns about the environmental impact of the flight.
What To Know
The campaign offers fans who buy Milka chocolate bars a chance to win behind-the-scenes experience with Perry during her The Lifetimes Tour.
Other high-profile figures who have recently worked with the company include Swedish singer Benjamin Ingrosso who, in December 2024, was criticized by MEP Karin Karlsbro for collaborating with Marabou, a Mondelez chocolate brand. In 2023, several Swedish companies boycotted Marabou because of its presence in Russia.
In January, England footballers Jill Scott and Lauren James became ambassadors for another Mondelez brand, Cadbury. In the same month, Mondelēz teamed up with American rapper Post Malone to launch limited-edition Oreo cookies. In March, Mondelēz announced partnerships with nine current and former NCAA athletes.
Newsweek contacted representatives for Ingrosso, Scott, James and Post Malone by email to comment on this story.
Responding to the latest deal, campaigners called on Perry to reconsider it.
In December 2024, when the partnership was rumored but had not been announced, B4Ukraine wrote a letter to Perry urging her "to decline this partnership and stand with Ukraine against those who fund its suffering."
The letter, seen by Newsweek said: "As a global icon and advocate for human rights, your voice carries significant influence, shaping the perspectives of millions around the world."
It added: "We believe that your values are starkly at odds with the actions of Mondelēz in Russia. By maintaining business ties in a nation that flagrantly violates human rights and international law, Mondelēz is indirectly contributing to perpetuating violence, war crimes, and crimes against children.
"We believe that your values are starkly at odds with the actions of Mondelēz in Russia. By maintaining business ties in a nation that flagrantly violates human rights and international law, Mondelēz is indirectly contributing to perpetuating violence, war crimes, and crimes against children."
B4Ukraine said they did not receive a response from Perry's team.
Meanwhile, other campaigners also hit out at Perry.
What People Are Saying
Nobel Peace Prize winning Ukrainian human rights lawyer Oleksandra Matviichuk questioned Perry's support of Mondelēz. "Just a few days ago, Russia carried out a massive missile and drone attack against Kyiv," she said. "This attack lasted nearly 11 hours, struck multiple residential neighborhoods, destroyed homes, killed 12 people, and injured more than 90 people. Russia still kills civilians in Ukraine because Russia has the money to produce and buy missiles and drones. In particular, because some Western businesses still sell their goods in Russia and pay taxes to the Russian budget, 40 percent of which goes to military purposes. Celebrities who support such companies should clearly understand what they are doing."
Karin Karlsboro, a Swedish Liberal MEP called on Perry to end her collaboration with Mondelēz. She said: "Companies like Mondelēz are helping Russia to continue its bloody war against Ukraine. We all share a moral duty to stand with Ukraine, and in times like these, deeply disappointing to see a beloved artist lend her name to a company still active in Russia.
"I truly hope Katy Perry reconsiders and ends her collaboration with Mondelēz. Now, more than ever, we must stand united, uphold the sanctions, and do everything we can to stop the flow of money fueling Putin's war machine."
Mondelez chief executive Dick Van de Put in his Financial Times interview: "I don't think [investors] morally care."
"If you have an important Russian business, the hit on the company would be huge, and that would be a different discussion."
What Happens Next
Perry is yet to respond to criticism. Her tour, which started in April, continues until December 2025.
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