Katy Perry is facing backlash after performing at a private company event in Thailand for Wiz, an Israeli-founded cybersecurity firm. The singer reportedly took the stage during a luxury employee trip, but her appearance has sparked criticism online because of the company's links to former members of Israel's military intelligence unit.
The private show took place in Khao Lak, Thailand, during a five-day company getaway in November 2026. Perry reportedly performed several of her biggest hits, for Wiz employees. The reported price of the performance has also drawn attention, with estimates putting the cost of her appearance and its production at $3 million to $4 million.
Why Wiz Is Facing Scrutiny
Wiz was founded in 2020 by four former Israeli military colleagues. One of its co-founders is Assaf Rappaport, who served in Unit 8200, an intelligence and cyber unit within the Israel Defence Forces. The company is now part of Google Cloud after Google completed its $32 billion purchase in March 2026.
Unit 8200 has faced years of criticism over its work involving Palestinians. The unit gathers intelligence through digital tools, including phone and computer data, and has been linked to surveillance in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Reuters reported that 43 former members spoke out against what they called unethical surveillance of Palestinians who were not involved in violence.
A separate investigation by The Guardian, +972 Magazine, and Local Call published in 2025 found that the unit used Microsoft's cloud system to store millions of phone calls made by Palestinians each day. The investigation said the data was used to support military intelligence work and could help prepare air strikes. These findings added to concerns about how technology can be used to watch people living under Israeli control.
Wiz, Inc. has not been specifically linked to these controversies by Unit 8200.
Fans Question Her Decision to Perform
Perry's performance has now brought these concerns into discussions about her work. Some social media users questioned why she agreed to entertain employees of a company whose founders have links to the Israeli military intelligence system. Others argued that celebrities should think about the companies they choose to work with, especially when political and human rights issues are involved.
Katy Perry performing at a private event in Thailand for employees of Wiz, an Israeli-American cybersecurity company.
— Khia Asylum Crave (@KhiaAsylumCrave) November 7, 2026
Assaf Rappaport, the co-founder and CEO of the Wiz, is a prominent critic of the Israeli government. pic.twitter.com/1Yq7TmfMEV
The criticism has also raised questions about the difference between Wiz's business and the past military service of its founders. There is no verified evidence that Wiz itself operated the Palestinian surveillance system described in the 2025 investigation. However, the company's links to former Unit 8200 members have become a major part of the online debate.
The reported millions spent on the private show have also added to the discussion. While some users focused on the money involved, others were more concerned about the message they felt Perry's appearance sent. Her decision has once again placed a celebrity's private performance under public scrutiny.
Perry Has Yet to Respond
Despite the online reaction, Perry has not publicly addressed the criticism surrounding the performance as of 8 November 2026. There has also been no confirmed statement from her team explaining why she accepted the booking. The singer has continued to face questions about the decision as videos from the event spread online.
The controversy also brings attention to the growing debate over how celebrities choose their business partners. Performers can accept private bookings without publicly supporting every action or belief of the people paying them. However, fans may still question those choices when the companies involved have links to wider political issues.
For now, it remains unclear whether the backlash will affect Perry's public image or future work. Her appearance at the Thailand event has added another debate about money, celebrity influence and responsibility. Neither the reported payment nor the online criticism changes the fact that the performance itself took place.
