A video showing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau enjoying a Taylor Swift concert in Toronto while a destructive protest unfolded in Montreal ignited widespread criticism.

Mr. Trudeau, whose constituency is in Montreal, attended the Friday night concert. A widely circulated video on X captures him dancing and singing along to “You Don’t Own Me” before Swift’s performance.

Toronto is approximately 280 miles west of Montreal and 330 miles west of Trudeau’s Montreal riding.

Simultaneously, demonstrators in Montreal engaged in violent protests, deploying smoke bombs, marching through city streets with Palestinian flags, and clashing with police. According to the Montreal Gazette, these actions included arson and attacks on officers with explosive devices and metal objects. An effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was also burned.

The contrast between Trudeau’s celebratory demeanor and the unrest in his own city provoked strong negative reactions online. Some social media users drew parallels between Trudeau and Nero, the Roman emperor known for his indifference during crises.

Toronto MP Don Stewart criticized the Prime Minister on X, stating, “Lawless protesters wreaked havoc in Montreal during a violent protest. The Prime Minister dances. This is the Canada built by the Liberal government. Bring back law and order, safe streets and communities in the Canada we once knew and loved.”

On Saturday, Trudeau condemned the protests, describing them as “appalling.” He stated, “What we saw on the streets of Montreal last night was appalling. Acts of antisemitism, intimidation, and violence must be condemned wherever we see them. The RCMP [Royal Canadian Mounted Police] are in communication with local police. There must be consequences, and rioters held accountable.”

Digital has contacted Trudeau’s office for comment.