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    1. Culture

    Katy Perry just made a huge political statement at the Brit Awards 2017

    Things just got VERY political…

    Jenny Proudfoot's avatar
    By Jenny Proudfoot
    Published 23 February 2017 In News

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    Things just got VERY political…

    Last night saw the 37th edition of the Brit Awards, held this year at the 02 Arena in London.

    David Bowie, Rag‘n’Bone Man and The 1975 were some of the biggest winners of the night, with live performances by Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Little Mix and a particularly touching tribute to George Michael by Chris Martin and Wham!

    The biggest surprise of the night, however, came from Katy Perry who used her time on stage to make a bold political statement, making a very obvious dig at Donald Trump and Theresa May’s friendship.

    While performing her new song, Chained to the Rhythm, live on stage with Skip Marley, Katy turned her performance into a political allegory, dancing in front of a white house structure, with two large Donald Trump and Theresa May skeleton effigies.

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    Katy Perry Brits

    The skeletons were obviously dressed as the US President and British Prime Minister, wearing the same iconic outfits that the two leaders wore on their first meeting last month in Washington, when they famously held hands as they walked down the White House steps.

    Katy perry brits

    Although Katy, a dedicated supporter of Hillary Clinton, has avoided saying anything political about her performance, fans have taken it upon themselves to decipher the meaning behind it.

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    Some are seeing the performance as a warning about the ‘friendship’ between Trump and May, with the two skeleton effigies spending the whole song trying to hold hands, finally separated by a giant spark – perhaps a symbol of danger.

    Katy Perry Brits

    The performance ended with the two skeletons holding their heads in their hands at opposite ends of the stage, with the two singers holding hands in the middle and Katy turning to the camera at the end and pointedly shaking her head.

    Others, however, are seeing the performance as a call to arms, especially when looking at the political connotations of the lyrics:

    ‘Break down the walls to connect, inspire. High up in your high place, liars. Time is ticking for the empire, the truth they feed is feeble. As so many times before, they greed over the people. They stumbling and fumbling and we're about to riot. They woke up, they woke up the lions.’

    Jenny Proudfoot
    Jenny Proudfoot
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    Contributing Features Editor

    Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. After working at Marie Claire UK for seven years - rising from intern to Features Editor - she is now a freelance contributor to the News and Features section.

    In 2021, Jenny was named as a winner on the PPA's '30 under 30' list, and was also listed as a rising star in journalism.

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