The 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver, an event dedicated to honoring wounded veterans, became an unforgettable spectacle when pop sensation Katy Perry took the stage for the opening ceremony.
Delivering a high-energy performance, she belted out some of her biggest hits, including Firework and Dark Horse, while wearing an eye-catching, sporty bondage-inspired outfit that left fans both amazed and bewildered. Despite living in close proximity to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Montecito, Perry made it abundantly clear that she was not there to mingle with the former royals. With a massive following of 204 million on Instagram and another 104 million on X (formerly Twitter), she did not acknowledge the couple in any way—no photos, no mentions, not even a subtle nod. It was pure, unbothered pop star energy, and the internet could not get enough of it.
Her outfit became a major talking point, leaving many wondering what exactly she was going for. She sported gray gym shorts paired with a corset and futuristic white thigh-high boots, a look that sparked comparisons to everything from The Hunger Games to a low-budget superhero costume. Some joked that she resembled a cross between a Stormtrooper and an athlete caught in a dystopian fashion experiment. The outfit stood in stark contrast to her elegant and polished appearance at King Charles III’s coronation in 2023, where she reportedly covered all her own expenses, including makeup. This time, however, it seemed as though Perry had pulled something from a scrapped world tour following the lukewarm reception of her last album. While her fashion choices raised eyebrows, her performance still kept the audience entertained, even if it wasn’t her most iconic moment.
While Perry’s presence was a highlight, the Invictus Games themselves have faced growing scrutiny. The recent resignation of the CEO, coupled with an increasing focus on securing A-list performers over celebrating the athletes, has led many to question the event’s true priorities. What was once a heartfelt tribute to veterans now seems to be morphing into a platform for celebrity appearances and Sussex-related PR opportunities. Adding to the controversy, Perry herself has come under fire from veteran communities. The family of Carl Westcott, an 84-year-old disabled veteran embroiled in a legal dispute with Perry over her Montecito mansion, even pleaded with Prince Harry to exclude her from the event. Their concerns, however, appeared to be ignored, raising further questions about where the event’s true focus lies.
One of the most talked-about moments of the night was Perry’s apparent snub of Harry and Meghan. Not only did she avoid any staged photos with the couple, but she also left her Instagram comments wide open—a move that fueled endless speculation and discussion. Fans were quick to praise her for what they saw as a masterclass in strategic distancing, whether intentional or not.
At its core, the Invictus Games are meant to celebrate the bravery and resilience of veterans. However, this year’s event seemed to lean more towards celebrity spectacle than genuine tribute. While Katy Perry’s performance may not have been the most legendary of her career, she did one thing exceptionally well—she kept the spotlight firmly on herself and away from the Sussexes. Well played, Katy.
