Last night, Katy Perry performed ‘Firework’ at the 2021 inauguration celebrations for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Naturally, her name began trending on Google soon after, but one search term stuck out like a sore thumb. ‘Is Katy Perry British?’ is a breakout search term on Google right now. Yes, seriously.
Considering how long Katy Perry has been famous – her debut album was released in 2001 – you would think the whole world knew of her origins (or are we the only ones that watched the heart-breaking documentary that was Katy Perry: Part of Me?) but apparently not. It seems she’s been confusing people for quite some time when it comes to where she was born.
Is Katy Perry British?
In actual fact, while Katy Perry has English ancestry, she is not British. She was born in Santa Barbara, California and both her parents are American. She was raised around the USA because her parents are both Pentecostal pastors who travel across America to set up churches. Why then, do people think Katy Perry is British?
It's definitely not her accent, which try as she might sounds as California as it can get - although she's not bad at an Essex accent. Perhaps then, it’s because the most two momentous loves of her life have been British. First, Russel Brand – who was born in Grays, Essex – and now Orlando Bloom who is from Canterbury. In fact, it’s been reported she even has plans to raise her incoming child in the UK with Orlando Bloom. For the time being though, Perry still lives in Beverly Hills with the pair buying a compound in Montecito late last year.
Or, the answer may come from much more problematic place. Last year, Katy Perry was appointed an ambassador for the British Asian Trust – which was founded in 2007 by Prince Charles -, a move questioned and criticised by many since Katy is neither British nor Asian.
‘India has long held a special place in my heart, and on my last visit, I was able to meet with the Prince of Wales and other leaders in Mumbai, and I was impressed by their strong plan – from on-ground initiatives to fundraising – that will aim to cut child trafficking in half,’ Katy said during a black-tie reception at Banqueting House in London last year.
‘That is why I am especially honoured to be named an ambassador for the British Asian Trust’s Children’s Protection Fund, and to help shine my light on the work that the British Asian Trust will be doing in South Asia, and to be a part of finding solutions to child trafficking.’
Accused of white saviourism, many wondered why a British Asian celebrity wasn’t chosen for the role instead. But despite the backlash, Manoj Badale, chair of the British Asian Trust, welcomed Katy Perry with open arms. ‘We are looking forward to working with her on raising awareness of the work we carry out across South Asia,’ Badale said. ‘Katy is a keen supporter of our work and her appointment marks another successful year for the British Asian Trust.’
Perhaps it was that appointment then that had everyone confused, with people rushing to question her origins seeing her perform at the Inauguration celebrations last night having assumed she was British for so long. Either way, it seemed to get everyone talking.
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