Wiz flew employees to Thailand for a five-day retreat. The Google-owned cybersecurity company, founded by Israeli entrepreneurs, reportedly arranged a surprise private performance by Katy Perry during the holiday in Khao Lak. According to a Calcalist report, her appearance drew online criticism, with users questioning her decision to perform for the company and challenging celebrities who pair public social stances with lucrative private bookings.The trip included luxury resort accommodation and parties, estimated at tens of millions of shekels. Perry’s performance alone reportedly cost between $3 million and $4 million, including her fee and production costs. The concert, which featured several of her hits, including “I Kissed a Girl,” capped off the employee getaway.
Why Katy Perry’s Wiz concert drew criticism online
Users on the international music forum ATRL opened a discussion about the performance and criticised Perry’s participation, Ynet reported.One commenter referred to posts by Thai citizens complaining about what they described as Zionist tourists, adding that those visitors were now bringing Perry with them. Another expressed renewed disappointment in the singer. A third questioned artists who publicly take social positions while accepting substantial payments to entertain wealthy individuals and major companies.The reported reaction centres on online criticism. The estimated $3 million to $4 million concert cost includes production expenses, meaning the figure does not represent Perry’s personal fee alone.
Katty Perry’s private performance in Australia faced a pro-Palestinian protest
Perry also performed at Australian billionaire Anthony Pratt’s Melbourne estate in February 2024, at an event attended by Australia’s prime minister and other senior figures.According to Australian outlet Nine, she was paid about A$1.5 million for the appearance. A Nine entertainment report separately estimated that a private booking could cost between A$2 million and A$3 million.Dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the estate. They protested against those attending and drew attention to the bombing and hunger faced by people in Gaza.
Wiz’s history of costly employee retreats and celebrity performances
Google agreed in March 2025 to acquire Wiz for $32 billion. The deal closed in March 2026, merging the cybersecurity business into Google Cloud.Wiz, founded by Assaf Rappaport and his partners, has a history of expensive employee celebrations. Its ABBA-inspired “Wizcotheque” Purim party at Expo Tel Aviv reportedly cost about 10 million shekels and featured more than 20 Israeli artists, including Ninet Tayeb, Shiri Maimon and Sarit Hadad.The company also previously took employees to Mauritius for activities modelled on “Survivor.” Its annual sales event in Las Vegas in March featured rapper Pitbull, with a production built around a fictional airline called “WizAir.”
