In a revealing new interview, Xavier "Xav" Trudeau, the 18-year-old son of former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, expressed his delight over his father's relationship with pop superstar Katy Perry. Speaking on the "Can't Be Censored" podcast, Xav highlighted Perry's supportive role in his budding music career and shared his perspective on growing up under intense public scrutiny.
Musical Mentorship from a Pop Icon
Xav, who is launching his own music career under the mononym Xav, revealed that he frequently seeks feedback from Perry on his songs. "When I'm really happy with a song, I send it to her," he said. "She's always happy to give me advice or tell me what I should change. She's super nice, super down to earth. She's great." He emphasized that his father's happiness is paramount, adding, "I think that my dad's happy, so that's important."
Beyond Perry, Xav has also received guidance from Toronto rapper Drake, helping his tracks accumulate hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube. This mentorship underscores the unique advantages and challenges of his high-profile family connections.
Navigating Public Life and Political Criticism
Growing up in the limelight, Xav has developed a thick skin toward media attention. When podcast hosts Travis Dhanraj and Karman Wong referenced his mother Sophie Gregoire's description of the Perry-Trudeau relationship as "noise," Xav shrugged it off. "I was used to it," he said, noting that seeing Instagram photos of his father with Perry feels "just like any other picture of my dad and my mom. Or just my dad."
However, he admitted to moments of bewilderment: "My life is so crazy sometimes. Sometimes I sit there and I'm like, 'What is my life? What the hell?' I just laugh. But the reality of it is, it's my life. What can I do? What can I change?"
Dealing with Haters and Humor
Despite Justin Trudeau's polarizing political legacy—often criticized for issues like the stagnant economy and housing affordability—Xav remains resilient against online detractors. He humorously acknowledged one common jab: "Little carbon tax. That one is good. That one is funny. But they use it so much ... Don't saturate it too much."
He even finds amusement in some negative comments, occasionally liking them on social media. "I like the comments. 'That's funny. I'll give you that one,'" he shared. Xav pointed to a viral 2023 photo of him and his father at a "Barbie" movie screening as an example of how publicity, even if intrusive, can boost his career. "That helped me get my face out there," he said, though he initially rolled his eyes at the post.
Emotional Toll and Future Aspirations
While Xav generally tunes out critics, he confessed that the negativity sometimes affects him. "The hate gets to me sometimes," he admitted. "But it's built into my brain ... when someone comments on my video or shares my video ... it just helps me. Instagram realizes people are interacting with this stuff."
He expressed empathy for his detractors, addressing them directly: "I feel for you guys. I'm 18. I'm so not political. I'm just a kid who has a dream that's going to do it and make it, regardless of the thousands of people who don't want me to." Xav avoids reading most comments and steers clear of political debates about his father's tenure, simply stating, "I just feel bad for them, to be honest."
Perry and Trudeau's Blossoming Romance
The interview comes amid ongoing public interest in Perry and Trudeau's relationship, which became Instagram-official in December after rumors sparked last July. Perry recently shared smiling photos of the couple, captioning one, "Never knew karma could be so rewarding." In another post, they joked about their age gap, with Perry asking, "How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?"
Sources close to the couple indicate a serious connection, with one insider telling PEOPLE that Trudeau "really showed that he was interested" by making efforts to see Perry during her tour. Another source described them as "enamoured," highlighting their willingness to navigate long-distance logistics.
As Xav Trudeau forges his path in music, his candid reflections offer a glimpse into the complexities of fame, family, and finding one's voice amidst the noise.
