Katy Perry sparked Fury after announcing a commercial agreement with a confectionery company that operates in Russia.
The singer is the last in a series of celebrities to face criticism of the promotion of worlds Mondelēz.
Perry launched a new campaign with the Milka chocolate company. But activists criticized the agreement because Milka belongs to Mondelēz, who continues to do business in Russia. They say that celebrities should not support companies that pay taxes in Russia, to express their moral opposition to their war with Ukraine and to exert economic pressure on the regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The representatives of Perry refused to comment. Nowsweek Contact mondelēz by e-mail to comment on this story.
Why it matters
Since Russia has invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, there has been international pressures for companies around the world to stop commercial operations in the country.
Photo of: ZZ / Galaxy / Star Max / IPX 2013 11/24/13
However, many have stayed and American companies that do business in Russia contribute to the Russian economy via profits. According to January research from the B4ukraine campaign group and the kyiv School of Economics (KSE) Institute, Mondelēz paid $ 62 million in Russia on profits in 2023, making it the fifth largest tax contributor to American companies who continued to do business in Russia.
Mondelēz stayed in Russia, saying before Financial time That investors have not “morally concerned” to know if companies have continued to do business there.
Perry also recently aroused criticism of participating in the 11 -minute blue space flight from Jeff Bezos on April 14. Some people suggested that it was disconnected to participate in the flight during a period of economic difficulties, while others have raised concerns about the environmental impact of theft.
What to know
The campaign offers fans who buy Milka chocolate bars a chance to win the behind the scenes with Perry during his Lifetimes tour.
Other high -level characters who recently worked with the company are the Swedish singer Benjamin Ingrosso who, in December 2024, was critical By deputy 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 of another Mondelez brand, Cadbury. In the same month, Mondelēz joined the American rapper post Malone to launch Oreo cookies in limited edition. In March, Mondelēz announced partnerships with nine current and former NCAA athletes.
Nowsweek Contacted representatives for Ingrosso, Scott, James and Post Malone by e-mail to comment on this story.
Responding to the last transaction, activists called Perry to reconsider it.
In December 2024, when the partnership was presented but had not been announced, B4ukraine wrote a letter to Perry exhorting “to refuse this partnership and to stand with Ukraine against those who finance its suffering”.
The letter, seen by Nowsweek Said: “As a global Irepon and defender of human rights, your voice has a significant influence, shaping the prospects of millions in the world.”
He added: “We believe that your values are clearly in contradiction with the actions of Mondelēz in Russia. By maintaining business links in a nation that violates human rights and international law, Mondelēz indirectly contributes to perpetuating violence, war crimes and crimes against children.
“We think that your values are hlender in contradiction with the actions of Mondelēz in Russia. By maintaining business ties in a nation that violates human rights and international law, Mondelēz indirectly contributes to perpetuating violence, war crimes and crimes against children.”
B4ukraine said they had not received a response from the Perry team.
Meanwhile, other activists also struck Perry.
What people say
Nobel Pace Peace Prize, Ukrainian lawyer for human rights, Oleksandra Matviichuk, questioned Perry support in Mondelēz. “Barely a few days ago, Russia made a massive missile and a drone attack on kyiv,” she said. “This attack lasted nearly 11 am, struck several residential districts, destroyed houses, killed 12 people and injured more than 90 people. Russia still kills civilians in Ukraine because Russia still has money in Russia and pays missiles and drones.
Karin Karlsboro, a Swedish liberal deputy called Perry to end his collaboration with Mondelēz. She said: “Companies like Mondelēz help Russia continue its bloody war against Ukraine. We all share a moral duty to stand with Ukraine, and in moments like these, deeply disappointing to see a beloved artist lend her name to a company still active in Russia.
“I really hope that Katy Perry reconsiders and puts an end to her collaboration with Mondelēz. Now, more than ever, we must remain united, confirm the sanctions and do everything possible to stop the flow of money supplying the Putin war machine.”
The Director General of Mondelez, Dick Van de Put, in his Financial time Interview: “I don't think [investors] Morally care. “”
“If you have an important Russian company, the success of the company would be enormous, and it would be a different discussion.”
What happens next
Perry has not yet answered criticism. His tour, which started in April, continues until December 2025.
