A weekend appearance at a high-profile music festival has sparked backlash for Justin Trudeau, with critics accusing him of hypocrisy over environmental policies he once championed.
According to the New York Post, the former Canadian leader was seen attending Coachella in Indio, California, alongside pop star Katy Perry.
Footage shared online showed the pair enjoying the event while drinking from red plastic cups — a detail that quickly ignited criticism across social media.
The reaction centered on Trudeau’s past role in pushing forward Canada’s 2019 ban on certain single-use plastics during his time in office.
Online critics were quick to draw comparisons between that policy and his recent appearance.
“This a**hole is drinking out of a plastic cup after banning them for the entire country,” another added.
The backlash continued as more users weighed in on the images.
“Justin Trudeau, Jun. 10, 2019: I’m banning Canadians from using single-use plastics! Justin Trudeau, Apr. 12, 2026: Look at me smash booze from a solo cup at Coachella!” one post read.
Others echoed similar frustrations.
“What’s with the plastic red cups Trudeau and his weirdo girlfriend are using? Trudeau said plastic was evil and toxic.”
While Trudeau’s government did move to restrict a range of single-use plastics, the policy does not apply universally to all plastic items, including some types of cups.
Still, the images proved enough to fuel accusations that the former prime minister was not living up to the standards he once promoted.
Trudeau stepped down from office in early 2025, more than a year after separating from his wife of 18 years, Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau.
He later made his relationship with Perry public in October, and the two have since been spotted together at several high-profile events — including their latest outing at the celebrity-packed California festival.
