Trump envoy mocks Katy Perry for skipping America250 event after her Belgium concert was rained out

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM: Bill White, President Donald Trump's US ambassador to Belgium, publicly took aim at Katy Perry after the singer did not attend an America250 celebration in Brussels.

Speaking at the invite-only event on Sunday, June 28, White mocked Perry from the stage despite previously acknowledging that her absence was due to existing contractual commitments.

The remarks came after Perry's scheduled festival performance in Belgium was canceled because of severe weather, leaving the pop star unable to perform at either event over the weekend.

Bill White mocks Katy Perry during America250 celebration in Brussels

The America250 event, held at Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels, brought together invited guests to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America's founding.

Among those addressing the crowd was Bill White, who used part of his speech to comment on Katy Perry's absence.

According to The Daily Beast, White told the audience, "So we were gonna have Katy Perry. Who cares?"

The remark drew only modest laughter from those in attendance.

He then continued, "Karma is a [expletive]. You know the joke? She was gonna perform last night. She got rained out."

White was referring to Perry's headlining appearance at Belgium's Werchter Boutique festival, which had been canceled because of bad weather just one day before the America250 event.

Katy Perry explained why her Belgium concert was canceled

Before White's remarks, Katy Perry had already addressed the cancellation of her scheduled festival performance on Instagram.

The singer said she had been preparing backstage when she learned the event could not go ahead.

"I was backstage at the show in the middle of hair and makeup when this news was delivered, and they gave me no choice," Perry wrote.

She also expressed her disappointment to fans, making it clear that the decision was made with public safety in mind.

"I am just as unhappy as you are. Unfortunately this is beyond my control, but the safety of all 55,000 of you always comes first and foremost."

Perry concluded her message by apologizing to fans who had been looking forward to the performance.

"I am sorry I can't change the weather, and even sorrier that all of us can't be together tonight."

Bill White had previously acknowledged Katy Perry's scheduling conflict

White's comments during the America250 celebration stood in contrast to what he had said months earlier about Perry's possible attendance.

In February, he told Belgian outlet The Bulletin that the singer faced contractual obligations tied to her scheduled concert.

"Her contractual obligations prohibit her from talking about other events in Belgium until that concert is sold out," White said.

"So maybe she will come the next evening, maybe not."

His earlier remarks suggested he understood the scheduling challenges surrounding Perry's appearance, making his comments from the stage on Sunday all the more notable.

White's criticism also came after several performers reportedly pulled out of another America250 celebration planned in Washington, DC.

Although Perry was unable to attend the Brussels event, the celebration still featured live performances, including a set by the Zac Brown Band.

Country singer Alexis Wilkins, who is also known as FBI Director Kash Patel's girlfriend, performed the US national anthem during the event.